The Tánaiste has warned that the deadline to secure a deal between the European Union and the UK over its future relationship is fast approaching.

Simon Coveney was in Berlin to speak at the annual conference of German foreign ambassadors.

He said the formal Brexit date of 29 March 2019 was not far away and there was a need for decisions to be made to provide certainty for people.

Mr Coveney also reiterated the need for a backstop agreement that would ensure no hard border on the island of Ireland after Brexit.

He said it was the EU's and Ireland's position and that it will not change.

In an interview with Reuters, Mr Coveney said: "I think the chances of a no-deal Brexit are very slim."

"I think talk of being able to survive or manage a no-dealBrexit is more a negotiating position than it is reality," he added.

"Nobody benefits from a 'no-deal' Brexit and we all have a responsibility to ensure that doesn't happen."

"I think it is possible to get a deal well in advance of the end of the year," Mr Coveney said.

Turning to migration policy, another big issue vexing the EU, he called for "action and practical measures" and said all member states needed to make a contribution.

"Countries that are willing to take migrants and refugees in order to share the burden with countries that are bordering the Mediterranean should be encouraged to do that," he said.

"And countries that refuse to actually take migrants, I believe should be made to actually make significant financial contributions to helping the EU response towards the overall migration crisis."

Mr Coveney also met German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas after his address to more than 200 ambassadors and 700 business people.

Mr Maas said Brexit would have far-reaching consequences for all stakeholders, but no country would be as affected as Ireland.

He said Germany stood by its position to avoid a hard border.

Mr Maas added that a deterioration in Northern Ireland must not happen as a consequence of Brexit.

Under the Global Ireland plan, Ireland is opening a consulate in Frankfurt next year alongside a long established embassy in Berlin.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Theresa May has dismissed fears of a no-deal Brexit apocalypse.

Additional reporting Conor Hunt