Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan discussed Brexit and paramilitary issues with the UK government’s Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire yesterday.

Mr Brokenshire also met with Foreign Minister Simon Coveney and Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald during his visit to Dublin.

Mr Brokenshire briefed ministers on the UK’s position papers on customs and on Northern Ireland in the context of Brexit negotiations.

Mr Flanagan welcomed the emphasis on the priority areas that the UK government is pursuing, including the Common Travel Area, the Good Friday Agreement, North/South co-operation and a soft border.

The Irish Government said it is is analysing the papers in detail and will be engaging closely with the Barnier Commission Task Force and other EU member states on those papers.

Mr Flanagan and Mr Brokenshire also discussed the ongoing security threat on the island of Ireland from paramilitary groups opposed to peace. They noted, in particular, the continued close co-operation of gardaí and the PSNI in combating the activities of these groups.

Mr Flanagan said: “Paramilitary groups opposed to peace remain the greatest security threat on the island of Ireland.

“The Secretary of State and I discussed our ongoing cooperation on combating that threat. The Gardaí and the PSNI continue to work together effectively to tackle these groups and their associated criminality. The Fresh Start Agreement has a particular emphasis on tackling paramilitarism and breaking the stranglehold of terrorists and thugs on vulnerable communities.

“As Minister for Justice and Equality I am fully committed to doing everything I can to counter these threats and protect our peace Process.”