Statement by the Irish and UK Governments

An Tánaiste, Simon Coveney, and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, spoke this afternoon by phone.

The main focus of the call was on the Covid 19 response and the actions being taken by the two Governments, and the work being taken forward in Northern Ireland.

They welcomed the leadership and concerted action being taken by the Northern Ireland Executive in response to the crisis.

They agreed that there was a clear need for continued strong cooperation and coordination North/South as well as East/West in support of those efforts.

They also discussed the recent UK Government proposals concerning how to handle the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland, and the need for early and detailed engagement on how we can move forward together on this important issue.

ENDS