Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that some concerns remain over the latest Brexit proposals released by Prime Minister Theresa May.
Mr Varadkar, however, gave a cautious welcome to the Government’s plan, saying he was more optimistic that a deal between the UK and the European Union could be agreed by the end of the year.
He added that he had “some concerns about the workability” of the UK customs.
Delighted to welcome @sebastiankurz to Dublin Castle for a bilateral on #Brexit and other key European issues. Austria took over European Presidency from July. Also Chancellor Kurz learned English in Dublin! pic.twitter.com/zRCpk4dhqU
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) July 8, 2018
The Fine Gael leader, who was speaking publicly for the first time since Friday’s late-night announcement, said that there would still have to be a backstop agreement and that the UK’s single market proposal could provide a solution to the Irish border.
Speaking at a media conference at Dublin Castle on Sunday, Mr Varadkar said: “Time is running short and we are approaching crunch time negotiations and we continue to have some concerns about the workability of the UK’s customs proposals.
“The position from the EU, and a I position I support, is that you are either in the Single Market or you’re not.”
He added that Mrs May had a “real political success”.
In the press conference together with PM #Varadkar @campaignforleo in #Dublin today I underlined that #Brexit negotiations are a key priority in our EU-Presidency #eu2018at. We will do our best to avoid both a hard Brexit & a hard border between #Ireland and #NorthernIreland. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/D99VxotrbI
— Sebastian Kurz (@sebastiankurz) July 8, 2018
We therefore fully support @MichelBarnier and all his efforts and we are confident that the #Brexit negotiations will run smoothly. 2/2
— Sebastian Kurz (@sebastiankurz) July 8, 2018
The Taoiseach made the comments following talks with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.
Mr Kurz also welcomed Mrs May’s Brexit development, describing it as an “important step”.
