H.E. Mr. Dan Mulhall:

I take every opportunity when I am at European events or giving a speech anywhere on any subject to include a paragraph on Europe. The message I give to people is quite simple, that we have been around the table together in Brussels for 40 years and it has been a very positive experience for Ireland. I express the view, while acknowledging it is a matter for the British people to decide, that EU membership has also been advantageous for Britain. I am not the only one putting forth that argument; many British sources are making the same case. I also make the point that our common EU membership has been hugely important and positive for British-Irish relations. Sitting together around the table in Brussels and elsewhere has allowed us to see the things we have in common. There are, of course, issues that divide us on the European agenda, but there is also much we have in common. I try to make people in Britain understand that the advantages of EU membership for British-Irish relations ought to be part of their calculation when they make a decision on what their future will be within Europe. That issue is clearly a matter of concern for the EU as a whole and for every EU member state, but it is a matter of particular interest and significance for Ireland given the nature of our relationship with the UK and our geographical proximity. There is no reason for us to be too shy about offering our views. We must always emphasise that it is a matter for the British Government, Parliament and people to decide at some stage, perhaps, on Britain's future in Europe, but is perfectly valid for us, as a friendly country with very deep connections with Britain, to offer our opinion on the subject.