Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald met UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire in London yesterday.

Ms Fitzgerald and Ms Rudd discussed their ongoing co-operation on criminal justice and security issues, and the two Governments’ commitment to maintaining the Common Travel Area (CTA).

Meanwhile, Ms Fitzgerald and Mr Brokenshire discussed the importance of the CTA to the peace process and the need for all parties to re-engage in the political process in Northern Ireland.

Speaking from London, Ms Fitzgerald said: “The Home Secretary and I reaffirmed our commitment to maintaining the Common Travel Area.

“We discussed its significant importance to the people of Ireland and the UK and how vital it is in the context of Northern Ireland.

“I welcomed the statement on reciprocal rights made by Prime Minister May during her visit to Dublin last week.”

She added: “Continuing the excellent co-operation on criminal justice and immigration issues is a key priority for Ireland and the UK will remain a key partner.

“Both countries are determined to ensure that criminals do not benefit in any way from the UK’s departure from the European Union.

“Ireland and the UK also enjoy excellent cooperation through the European Arrest Warrant and other EU Justice and Home Affairs legal instruments. We discussed and agreed the need for that cooperation to continue.”