Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to Deputy McDonald's latter point, we have special status as we stand in that we are the only country with a peace process supported by the European Union and an international legally-binding agreement. We want to build on that and we will have a much clearer view once Article 50 is triggered. I made the point that there can be all-island agreements in respect of a number of areas if there is a willingness shown in that regard. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, is in Belfast today working with the parties and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and we hope an Executive and an Assembly can be put together.

In respect of the issues that Deputy Eamon Ryan raised, from a European perspective, the critical issues, particularly for the western Balkans, the countries of which are experiencing pressure from Russia, are migration, security and defence and NATO matters. We must also consider comments made by the new American Administration about participation in NATO in future if spending does not rise to 2% of gross domestic product. There are implications for Germany in this regard - a strong economic power -- which might mean it being obliged to allocate €50 billion or €60 billion per year. The German people have been very reticent about this for good historic reasons but that is a matter for discussion.

The Deputy mentioned a two-speed Europe. Ireland will be placed at the front and we do not want to be left behind in any way. We want to be part of a social Europe. We will not be left behind because we have put our point as being central to Europe and the eurozone. That is where we intend to stay.

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