Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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74. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he has had discussions at EU level and with his counterparts in the UK in the context of the implications for this country, the UK and the European Union in the event of the UK withdrawing from the Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31127/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The debate in the UK, regarding its membership of the European Union, is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Depending on how events unfold, the outcome of that debate may have consequences for all Member States, not least among them, for Ireland. However undoubtedly, the most profound consequences would be for the UK itself, which must be allowed the time and space to take the course of action that it feels in its best interest. The place of the UK within the EU is first and foremost a matter for the British Government and people, as appropriate. While there have been many contributions to the debate on the UK’s future relationship with the EU, the question has not been formally raised within the European Union.

The Treaty of Lisbon included a provision - Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union – which explicitly provides for a situation in which a Member State might seek to withdraw from the Union. It is only when a Member State makes such an application that the issues would be formally considered. Article 50 has never been invoked and I strongly hope that this remains the case.

I have made clear, many times, my strong preference for the UK to remain a strong and influential partner within the European Union. I am convinced that the UK’s interests are best served by their remaining an active member of the EU. The European Union is better and stronger with the UK in it. It is also in Ireland’s interests that the UK remains a fully committed member of the EU. They remain our most important trading partner and are an important ally on many aspects of EU policy.

The Government’s focus, both as Presidency and nationally, has been on ensuring that the Union is properly equipped to the meet the current and future challenges facing the Union. To this end, much work has already been done to deal with the complex and exceptional economic challenges we have faced. We will continue to work with EU partners, including the UK, to guide the European Union back to the path of sustainable economic growth and job creation.