Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am somewhat perplexed about the Minister's answer. He said a fully developed plan B is not possible. I understand that, and the matter of whether Britain stays in the European Union is a matter for the British people, which we respect. The clear view of Fianna Fáil is that we believe a British exit from the Union is not in the best interests of the European Union, Britain or Ireland. A recent report from the ESRI indicates that there could be a reduction of up to 20% in our bilateral trade flows, at a cost of approximately €3 billion per annum.

I hope the scenario planning the Minister mentioned is much more advanced than outlined in his reply. Should Britain vote to exit on 23 June, there would be initial shocks for which we need to be prepared. I am not necessarily referring to a full plan B, but rather to how we will respond. It is my earnest hope that does not happen, but I hope the Departments of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs and Trade would be at an advanced stage of scenario and contingency planning.

See this speech in context