Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not that it would make me unhappy. The consequences would be that Ireland would not be participating at the shaping of these programmes, which I believe is important because when we are at the table we can voice and amplify our national interest. There is a particular issue, as far as the relationship with third countries is concerned, that we are very keen to elaborate upon, having regard to the imminent withdrawal of our nearest neighbour and closest partner, the United Kingdom, from the European Union.