Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the importance of this debate and the informed contributions Seanadóirí have made. On the occasion of my first visit to the recently-established Seanad I was struck by the number of Senators present for the debate. It underlines the importance of it. While I am looking around I wish to avail of the opportunity to wish all the new Senators and other Members a fulfilling time personally and professionally. Although, looking at some of the faces, it may be more appropriate for me to wish them something of a short tenure. I know many of them would wish to take the opportunity to travel across to the Lower House.

In closing the debate, I wish to address briefly the core elements of what might take place after the referendum and once the result is known later this week. In the event of our preferred outcome, that is to say, a vote for the UK to remain firmly and positively as a member of the European Union, the next steps are somewhat straightforward. The settlement concluded in February by the EU Heads of State and Government will take effect immediately. The agreed measures relating to the economic governance, competitiveness, sovereignty and freedom of movement would be effective straightaway. In parallel, work would progress on amending or complementing existing EU regulations to implement the measures agreed in respect of social benefits and addressing the abuse of free movement.

I have been struck by the number of Members who called for a reformed Europe to take a more socially sensitive path. That has been mentioned by several Members. On behalf of the Government I wish to not only note the point but to say that it is something that I will take in hand.

We need to consider plans in the event of a vote to leave by the people of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland as well as those British citizens who reside in this country. In the event of there being a desire on the part of these people to leave the European Union, the next steps are obviously more uncertain and less clear. Procedurally, the expectation is that withdrawal negotiations will take place in accordance with Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union following a formal notification to the European Union on the part of the United Kingdom of its intention to leave. This point was referred to by Senator McDowell.

Negotiations on the future of the UK-EU relationship would also be required. These would probably take place in parallel with the withdrawal negotiations. The two sets of negotiations would be expected to last for a period of two years. However, as Senator McDowell has said, I believe we may well be dealing with a far longer timeframe. It is important in this regard that we emphasise that the United Kingdom does not leave the European Union immediately if it votes to leave on Thursday. It continues to remain a member state throughout the withdrawal negotiation period. The least that can be said at this point is that this would be a lengthy and complex process. In the event of a vote to leave on Friday, EU leaders, including the Taoiseach, will be in a position to discuss the outcome together almost immediately when they meet next week at the European Council.

One thing is certain: regardless of the outcome, Ireland's position on EU membership is unwavering. As part of a competitive diversified global economy we will continue to remain committed members of the European Union and a full member of the eurozone. Ireland will also have a clear plan in place to deal with the implications in the event of there being a vote to leave. A framework has been developed on a whole-of-government basis across a range of Departments to identify contingencies that may arise in the days, weeks and months that follow. As I stated earlier, the key priority for the Government at all times will be to protect and promote Ireland's key interests.

On Friday, however, I hope that we will be continuing our journey together as a renewed union of 28 member states, including the United Kingdom, working to face the many challenges that face our respective citizens, not only in Ireland but throughout the 28 European Union member states. In spite of some misgivings on the part of Members, everyone has stated it is their wish that the UK should vote to remain. In that regard I would remind Senators that they have an opportunity to perhaps consider phoning a friend over the next 24 or 48 hours – someone who is on the register, a friend, relative or an associate in the UK. Senators might like to take the opportunity to do no more than impress upon them the importance of British-Irish relations in the context of this very important vote in the UK.