The new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney will meet with the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier today. 

Coveney said that Ireland will not approve of any deal on Brexit unless the full protection of the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process is agreed upon. 

It's very clear from the first day of talks that Ireland remains a top priority during Brexit negotiations.

Talks formally began yesterday, and the UK's Minister for Brexit David Davis said Ireland was discussed more than any matter.

Good deal

Barnier said yesterday that he would deal with negotiations on the UK's withdrawal in a "constructive" way and said he believed a "fair" deal was possible for both sides and "far better" than the prospect of the UK leaving without an agreement.

He was speaking with the Brexit Secretary David Davis, who said himself that he's "optimistic" of reaching a good deal.

Trade between the republic and the UK is worth €1.2bn per week and there are serious concerns a hard-brexit will hamper this.

EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan says the Commission fully understands the threat to Ireland's economy.