Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a common travel area between Europe and Ireland and that will continue, as Deputy Howlin is well aware. The question of the arrangements between Ireland and England arises as well, and I expect that to be maintained, as does the British Prime Minister. I expect to have the support of our European colleagues when that question arises.

Deputy Haughey referred to the European Commissioner. I take the view that we have said we want to maintain the traditional links with Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom in terms of trade and so many other issues, including the Border and the common travel area. I expect us to be able to do that. That view is shared by the British Prime Minister.

We also share the view of the British Government that it should maintain the closest possible links with the European Union. The UK has given some clarity on removing itself from the Single Market and the customs union. In light of a proposal for a new trade arrangement with Europe, these areas are where the negotiations will arise. There is no question about that.

I have had no discussions with Commissioner Hogan about this. We will stay as a central member of the 27. We will stay as a member to follow the agenda of the European Union for the future, that is to say, with regard to the Single Market and the digital single market and the President's reports, which are in two phases. The first is to be implemented this year. The second has implications as far out as 2025. There are some complications that will cause difficulty for several countries and in respect of which we are either going to make the decisions or will not. Ireland will defend its interests in all of those. We want to maintain our links with the United Kingdom but remain a central and strong member of the Union for the future.

I have no wish to comment on the remarks from a former Irish ambassador. Anyway, I am not talking about an Irish exit from the European Union. We are talking about maintaining our central role as a European Union member for the future. People can make all the comments they wish. We will fight for our future, our relationship and for our Europe. We have voted on this consistently over 40 years, since it began to transform our country.

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