Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not discuss it at the last ECOFIN meeting because there was no agenda item that would have allowed me to do so. In my opening statement I asked for an opportunity to address colleagues and I did refer to Brexit. I referred to the pressures Ireland specifically would be under as a result of Brexit and it is my intention at future meetings to continue to raise the matter. Where it will be of help to us, I will press the case for recognition of the specific needs of the economy. The following day I participated in a meeting of the governors of the European Investment Bank, at which I pressed the case for investment in Ireland to recognise our circumstances. I referred, in particular, to Northern Ireland and will continue to do so. I used, as an example, the investment of the European Investment Bank in Derry and pointed out that by facilitating the building of the peace bridge and other such projects, it had played a role in the economic rejuvenation of a fabulous city, as well as producing a far more important political dividend. I will continue to raise the matter, particularly with the EIB.