​The implication of BREXIT on Ireland and the European Union was the focus of the European Alliance bureau visit to the Houses of the Oireachtas (Parliament) in Dublin on this week.  The delegation met with Mr Darragh O'Brien, TD, Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Trade who outlined the worrying aspects of BREXIT for the Irish Economy and its Citizens and also a call for a "special economic zone" for Northern Ireland.

The delegation also held a meeting with Senator Neale Richmond, Fine Gael Senate spokesperson on Europe and also Chair of the Special Select Committee on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.  He outlined the impact of BREXIT on a range of areas of relevance to local and regional governments.

European Alliance President Karl Vanlouwe said that it was fundamentally important to ensure that everyone was aware of the implications of BREXIT and that this is subject to ongoing discussions in the Flemish Parliament.  He in particular drew attention to the ports of Flanders as one of many examples where it would have an impact.  He welcomed the discussions with the Irish Members of the Dáil and Seanad.