The decision by the UK to leave the EU will have huge implications for our justice system, the Tánaiste has warned today.

It comes as the leader of the SDLP called on the Taoiseach to support his party in preventing the North from being “dragged out of the EU” against its wishes.

Colum Eastwood also said that it is nonsense to suggest a hard border could be put in place on the island.

Speaking in Dublin earlier today, Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said there is a lot of work to be done to make sure Ireland is protected.

“There’s huge implications for the justice area, and a lot of detailed work to be done in working it out – we’re speaking to the Secretary of State in relation to that,” she said.

“Huge amount of work to be done, north, south, east, west, and of course across Europe in relation to the issues that have been thrown up by Brexit.

“It’s very challenging in every area, particularly the justice area.”