Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The key Brexit issue I would like to raise this morning is the announcement by the British Prime Minister that the UK has opted out of hosting the rotating Presidency of the European Council in the second half of 2017. It is a wise decision. It would not be smart for a country that has indicated it will leave the Union to hold the Presidency while the most important negotiations take place. It is vital that another member state steps up to the plate and takes over the Presidency. I call on the Leader to ask the Taoiseach to put it to the European Council that Ireland is willing to be at the heart of Europe again in 2017 and is willing to take on the European Presidency. We did an outstanding job hosting the Presidency in 2013. It was a huge boost to the Irish economy and Ireland's standing within EU politics. We have had great successes during previous Presidencies when we oversaw German reunification, the accession of ten new member states in 2004 and agreed the multi-annual financial framework in 2013.

Crucially, the next two rotations of the Presidency of the European Council are by two new member states. After the UK was due to hold the President it was meant to be two new member states. Therefore, it is vital that an experienced proven member state, that is also sympathetic to the ongoing Brexit debate, steps up to the plate and takes on the Presidency. I repeat my call for the Taoiseach to offer Ireland to hold the Presidency in this case.