Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When the committee goes to Germany it will become particularly aware that the view of Ireland in this discussion is much sought and much respected. What we are aware of is that in some initial commentary that has come from the United Kingdom, we share their concerns on many areas. In terms of ease of business, regulation and growth, in the past 12 months we have seen significant progress, in particular through quantitative easing, the Juncker package of €320 billion, and especially the commentary from First Vice President, Frans Timmermans, on the need for Europe to have regulations that work for citizens and businesses alike. We will be very engaged.

Members will be aware that the Department of the Taoiseach and other Departments, including the Department of Finance, are looking at the potential effects of various outcomes that may emerge from this process from the point of view of the United Kingdom. We are very clear that we want the European Union to stay united as 28 member states, which obviously includes the UK. It will however be a matter for the people of the United Kingdom to decide themselves in the referendum which will now take place at some time in the future. Ireland will of course ensure in any steps that are taken that our national interest will be to the forefront of our deliberations, as it always is in all respects and negotiations. We are still very much waiting to see what the proposals are. The matter raised in the specific question on the June European Council is not on the agenda but I am aware that David Cameron will have a number of bilateral meetings with the Presidents of the Commission and the Council, and other Prime Ministers, including the Taoiseach in the coming months. We look forward to seeing what-----