Update 2.45pm: No agreement has yet been reached on the right operational approach to avoid a hard border, the EU's draft agreement showed. Prohibiting customs duties on imports and exports between the EU and UK specific to Northern Ireland, including duties of a fiscal nature. The application of EU law surrounding VAT and excise duties, agriculture, fisheries products and environmental protection to Northern Ireland. Laws were agreed in principle surrounding state aid and the wholesale electricity markets; Northern Ireland is part of an island-wide energy market. Mr Coveney will meet EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels today.

Source: Irish Examiner March 19, 2018 08:00 UTC