Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General and Brexit Minister – in the Senedd at 2:28 pm on 16 January 2019.
I thank the Member for the question. In terms of article 50, we take every opportunity to ensure that Governments understand our position on that. We called more recently on the Prime Minister in Westminster to ensure an extension on that to enable the discussions to go on.
In terms of the collaborative relationship between Wales and Ireland, the Member talks about INTERREG. We have, of course, a close relationship with Ireland through that and through other joint schemes. The current scheme emphasises the work in terms of climate change, culture and so forth. Those issues are important, of course, in terms of strengthening the relationship and in terms of economic opportunities, but we want to ensure that that collaboration continues even after Brexit and also extends beyond the current schemes, if that’s possible. We’re certain in our view that we are fully committed to strengthen the relationship between Wales and Ireland.