Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a short point to raise, as I must leave for another engagement. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy. We met him in the Seanad yesterday when we had a brief discussion on the situation. I concur fully with his speech and with his remarks about the support of the Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has outlined the correct approach, and we will stay with that script. This committee is very conscious that it should not be seen to interfere in any way with the decision to be taken in the general election on 7 May, but beyond that we will have a respectful approach to what will happen. We are preparing, and that is the key point. We must plan ahead, be conscious of where we stand and try to alleviate the fears and concerns of the ordinary people in the UK at that point in time. At present, however, what the Minister has outlined is an extremely good blueprint for where this Government, and any future Government, should stand. We are very united as far as Europe is concerned. Our approach is united regarding where our interests, that is, Ireland Inc., lie in Europe. We are very close in what we do and I believe every Member of the Oireachtas would be of the same opinion. I regret I must leave but I welcome and concur with everything in the Minister's statement.