Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A fully developed plan B for Ireland is not possible without knowing the terms and conditions of the future relationship between the UK and the European Union. However, Government Departments, including mine, have been working for some time to identify the key strategic and sectoral issues that will arise for us if the UK votes to leave the European Union. We will continue to deepen our analysis of the risks and key issues that would require priority attention in the event of a UK vote to leave the Union, having regard to the fact that such an outcome would represent a major challenge for this jurisdiction.

The Department of the Taoiseach is responsible for cross-Government co-ordination on this issue, in close partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and all other Government Departments. In the event that the referendum results in a decision to leave, the response and scenario planning across Government will be closely co-ordinated and actively managed.

In addition, there is already a clear framework in place for bilateral co-operation between the Irish and UK Governments under the joint statement which the Taoiseach and Prime Minister David Cameron signed in 2012. For my part, I have an excellent working relationship with my UK counterpart, the Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.

Such bilateral engagement will continue whatever the outcome of the UK referendum, but will become particularly important in the event of vote by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.

Ireland has a range of national concerns and issues that we wish to see addressed at EU bilateral level in the context of a negotiated withdrawal by the United Kingdom. These include the operation of the Single Market and the effects on trade between us, as well as the impact on the common travel area and energy interconnection between our respective islands.

In the weeks ahead, my Department and all Government Departments will continue to prepare for all outcomes. Notwithstanding these preparations, it is the earnest wish of the Government that the people of the United Kingdom will vote to remain in the European Union on 23 June.

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