Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Colm McCarthy for his contribution. As if we in Europe did not have enough trouble with Greece, now we have to consider all the "ifs" and "buts" and look at the worst case scenario that is Britain opting out of the European Union. They have had to go through a huge number of hoops but if Britain decided to opt out it would be a disaster for Europe.

Leaving that aside, we are currently in the middle of a debate on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP, the European agreement that is being negotiated. What is Mr. McCarthy's view of the following scenario: Britain outside the loop on the deal that ultimately would be negotiated with our partners in North America? Would it be so scary if Britain were to pull out when, for example, European countries such as Switzerland and Norway are not full members? If we can live happily alongside the Swiss and the Norwegians, who partake in a European capacity, could it evolve that Britain would somehow or other retain that type of relationship?

From reading Mr. McCarthy's paper I believe it would be of vital importance that we are involved in any potential negotiations at the earliest stages because-----