Emer Deane - PR Brussels

I lead the Brexit Unit at Ireland's diplomatic mission (the Permanent Representation) to the EU. My unit ensures that Ireland's approach to the EU-UK negotiations is understood and supported by key actors in the EU institutions and by officials from other EU countries in Brussels who are feeding into Brexit policy-making within their governments. 

With Ambassador Declan Kelleher, my unit is responsible for Ireland’s interaction with the European Commission’s Article 50 Task Force led by Michel Barnier. The Task Force was established by the European Council to negotiate with the UK on the arrangements for its withdrawal from the EU, under the close political direction of EU leaders, including the Taoiseach.

The unit has worked intensively, and successfully, in Brussels to help ensure that Ireland's unique situation is recognised by other EU partner states. 

As the impact of Brexit will be felt on a whole range of sectors in Ireland, my unit draws on the expertise of all Government Departments on all matters concerning the EU-UK negotiations.  We also brief, consult, and share ideas with other stakeholders in Brussels, including with Ireland's MEPs, Committee of the Regions and EESC members, and with visiting delegations from Ireland, as well as with many international media outlets based in Brussels.