Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the possibility of an IN/OUT EU Referendum in the UK; if a contingency plan is being considered in the event of an EU exit by the UK; if he is conscious of the impact on economy here that such a development could have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5608/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The UK’s relationship with the European Union is a matter, in the first instance, for its Government and people. I would, however, hope to see it continue to play a full and active part into the future. Like all Member States, the UK gains from its membership of the European Union, not least through unfettered access to a Single Market of more than 500 million people. At the same time, the UK it also makes a valued contribution to our Union of 27 – soon to be 28 – Member States. The EU is stronger for having the UK as a Member State. From a national perspective, having the ability to work together within the Union on the many issues on which we are of like mind - the single market, trade to name just two – amplifies the impact of our excellent relationship generally.

Both nationally, and as Presidency, the Government’s focus is on ensuring that the Union is properly equipped to meet the challenges of the future. This is a shared interest among all EU partners. To this end, much work has already been done together in the face of the unprecedented economic challenges we have faced. We are primarily focused on getting on with the job of meeting those challenges, and are determined not to be distracted from that task.

As the Union has grown larger, we have also become more flexible – not everyone is in the euro or participates in Schengen. But we need to ensure that flexibility doesn’t become fragmentation – in designing banking union we have been careful not to erect barriers between those inside the euro area and those outside. We have also been careful to protect the single market. That must continue to be our approach in the future as we can work together for a better stronger Union, including one with a reinforced economic governance