Irish and British Finance ministers meet for third time
Minister Paschal Donohoe welcomes Chancellor Sajid Javid on first official visit to Dublin
Irish Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., will meet the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid MP, today (19 September 2019) in Dublin.
This is the third time the ministers have met in the eight weeks since the Chancellor took up his position, reflecting the importance of economic relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom. Over €1.3 billion or £1.1 billion worth of goods and services are traded between the UK and Ireland every week.
The ministers will discuss Brexit and the importance of maintaining a strong economic relationship as the UK leaves the EU. They will also exchange perspectives on the latest international economic developments.
Speaking in advance of the engagement, Minister Donohoe said:
It is a pleasure to welcome Sajid Javid to Dublin today. Our meeting is an opportunity to exchange perspectives on Brexit and the Withdrawal Agreement and to hear the views of our close friends and neighbours, while recognising that any negotiations are between the United Kingdom and the Taskforce. This meeting presents an opportunity to further deepen engagement and to understand each other’s viewpoints. Brexit will bring challenges for the UK and for Ireland, but I look forward to seeing our relationship grow and strengthen in the coming years.
Commenting ahead of the visit Chancellor Sajid Javid said:
Ireland is an essential partner for the United Kingdom, and I am determined that we maintain and enhance this relationship as we leave the EU.
Our discussions today will also help improve our mutual understanding of the issues facing the UK and Ireland – and better understanding leads to better outcomes.
Both countries remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement as the UK leaves the EU on 31 October.