"Becoming a Republic changed Ireland's relationship with Britain, it resolved a number of constitutional issues, some significant, some symbolic, and it enabled us to engage with the world in a different way. It was an important stepping stone on the way to our country taking its place among the nations of the world".
Mr Varadkar told the Seanad that the Withdrawal Agreement contained a commitment from the UK that Brexit will not result in any diminution of the rights, safeguards and equality of opportunity as set out in the Good Friday Agreement. He also said that Irish citizens in Northern Ireland will continue to be European citizens in all circumstances.
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