Ibec yesterday warned that Ireland must play "a central and assertive role" in Brexit negotiations to ensure interests are forcefully represented and reflected in the final settlement. 

The group that represents Irish business claim this will require a collective, national effort, spearheaded by government. Ibec say business is firmly focussed on ensuring the best possible outcome and is actively working at a national, UK and EU level to that end. 
 
Ibec has long highlighted the competitive threat from the UK's increasingly pro-business tax regime.
 
Responding to the Taoiseach's key note address on Ireland's place in a changing EU at the Mansion House Dublin yesterday, Ibec CEO, Danny McCoy said, "The combative approach of the UK government to Brexit negotiations must inform the Irish position. A comprehensive free trade agreement with minimal trade barriers is desirable, but fair competition must underpin any new EU-UK relationship. This will require clear ground rules, along with effective arbitration and governance structures to ensure legal certainty and recourse when disputes arise."

He added, "Ireland and our European partners are well placed to shape the next phase of globalisation. To do this, the EU will need to step up efforts to deliver sustainable growth, support job creation and create the right conditions for infrastructure investment."

Source: www.businessworld.ie