Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I do not accept the Deputy's characterisation of the role of the European Union and the part Ireland has played in it over the years or of the benefits that have come to this country as a result of our participation in the European Union. There are many people in this country who fully support our participation and are very conscious of the benefits that have accrued to this country. That is not to say the result in the United Kingdom will not give rise to ongoing discussion about the future of Europe. I referred in my speech yesterday to social Europe and the need for greater emphasis on social Europe and on ensuring everyone benefits. I referred to the need for the benefits of decision-making in Brussels to be felt by everyone.

Let me refer briefly to the summer economic statement, published a number of days ago. Are we not very fortunate that the Irish economy has improved to the degree that it has, thereby putting the country in a better position to deal with the potential consequences of the vote in the United Kingdom? It puts us in a position in which our people can be more protected from any potential fallout.

I have already spoken about the Government's position on the Water Framework Directive and the plans we have in this regard. The plans remain on course and we will not be changing them. I remind the Deputy that those who participate in European decision-making when directives are being agreed have been democratically elected by countries from around Europe. There is democratic decision-making in regard to directives and each country takes its position in this regard and deals with directives at national level.

On the Deputy's point about the future economic outlook and the fiscal rules, that was all very clearly laid out in the document and addressed during the course of the debate here. That remains the Government's position.

The potential implications of Brexit, at least in the short term, were taken into account when the summer economic statement was being drafted and published. The immediate impact of a potential vote to leave was set out in that statement.

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