Tánaiste: FF’s Brexit criticism could damage Ireland’s reputation

Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald has warned that Fianna Fáil's sustained criticism of the Government on Brexit could damage Ireland's international reputation.

"To continue to talk about lack of preparation, really, I think from a reputational point of view, as far as Ireland is concerned, I don't believe that is the approach the main Opposition party should be taking.''

Ms Fitzgerald told the Dáil on Thursday it was very clear that deep analysis was being done across the Brexit network in Government. She said there were 11 working groups, adding that a huge amount of work was being done in her own department.

Ms Fitzgerald said the top priorities – trade, economy, Northern Ireland, the peace process, the Common Travel Area and future of the EU – had been identified.

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She insisted the Government has “a clear and comprehensive plan’’ to deal with Brexit. “We are under absolutely no illusion about the nature and scale of the Brexit challenge.’’

She said Taoiseach Enda Kenny had made it clear he was leading on the issue and would continue to do so. “All Ministers across Government are also involved as part of the comprehensive planning and reaction to the very serious challenges we face as a country.’’

The Tánaiste was replying to Fianna Fáil TD Marc MacSharry, who said Ireland was not prioritising Brexit to the extent required in terms of economic impact. He said on Wednesday that Ireland had to depend on a House of Commons debate to find out how it would impact on this country. It seemed clear there was going to be a hard Border.