Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----in terms of its own engagement. Ireland is committed to remaining a constructive and active member and will engage in that regard, as we have done in the past. We have considered ourselves over the years to be an Ireland at the heart of Europe. We value our membership of the EU. In the context of the forthcoming negotiations, it is important that the process of ongoing development of policy in Europe along the social and other agendas does not become derailed and that other work continues, notwithstanding the important work of negotiating the withdrawal of one of our most influential members.

With regard to the matter of the document being discussed this evening and its publication, I believe it is important that the Dáil does engage. I hope that we can have a meaningful debate on the document, perhaps in this House next week. I hope the business committee would look favourably on that.

I agree with much of what Deputy Howlin said in terms of issues that will arise in the context of the negotiations. The publication of this document today is part of an ongoing process. I would expect that the Government will now proceed to prepare further documents, one for example on the economic impact-----

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