THE EU’s Brexit negotiator wants customs controls to return to the border with the North once our neighbour has left the union.

Michel Barnier told the Houses of the Oireachtas that “Ireland’s interests will be the Union’s interests” while “Ireland is stronger in the Union. And the EU is stronger with Ireland”.

2 EU chief negotiator on Brexit Michel Barnier on his way to meet Taoiseach Enda Kenny Credit: Reuters

But he said there will be some border between North and South, while customs will be an issue again.

Mr Barnier stated: “European integration helped to remove borders that once existed on maps and in minds.

“Brexit changes the external borders of the EU. I will work with you to avoid a hard border.

“We have a duty to speak the truth. The UK’s departure from the EU will have consequences.

“Customs controls are part of EU border management. They protect the single market. They protect our food safety and our standards.”

2 Michel Barnier addressing the Oireachtas Credit: Getty Images

Barnier is today going to the border regions and Northern Ireland to meet farmers and workers in a Dairy co-op.

He pointed out that “Ireland exports much more to the other EU countries than to the UK” while “the single market is a key asset for your financial or pharmaceutical industry”.

On the future deal with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, he said: “The UK has been a member of the EU for 44 years. It should remain a close partner.

“We will need to negotiate a bold and ambitious but fair free-trade agreement.

"But we will need the same ambition for our research and innovation networks and for the fight against climate change.

“We need the same ambition in international cooperation and development.”

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Addressing the politicians, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “We are committed to playing a strong and active role as a member of the EU 27.

“We are well prepared and will continue to ensure that our concerns and priorities are reflected in the EU negotiating position as it evolves.

"And that we work closely with our EU partners, the EU institutions and Mr Barnier and his team, towards a strong and constructive future relationship with the UK.”