The British Irish Chamber of Commerce trade organisation has welcomed the "emphasis on the importance of negotiating a new trading relationship post-Brexit".

"Given Ireland's greater dependence on UK trade than any other EU country, we feel it is only right that the EU understands the importance of this relationship for both islands and accommodates the special trading relationship between us. This includes maintaining the Common Travel Area limiting border control on the island of Ireland.

"Such steps will not only help ensure that Ireland is not adversely affected by a decision that is not of its own making, but will also have broader benefits for the island of Ireland as whole and will help protect the €1.3 billion of weekly bilateral trade that we currently enjoy."