Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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33. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a contingency plan has been initiated by his Department in the event of a negative referendum result in the UK on EU membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17019/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The outcome of the domestic British debate on the EU could have very significant implications for Ireland, and I have of course been closely following developments. No decision has yet been taken on the holding of a referendum, and it seems unlikely that the question of holding a referendum will become clear until after the next UK general election.I have the honour of accompanying President Higgins on the current historic State Visit to the UK, a visit which highlights again the extraordinary breadth and depth of the excellent relations between our two countries. The contribution of our common membership of the EU, where we have so frequently shared interests over the years, to the development of that relationship is important.

I have made clear on numerous occasions my belief that the UK is better off within the European Union, and that the Union benefits hugely from British membership. The UK is Ireland’s nearest neighbour and largest trading partner. For very many reasons, it is clearly in Ireland’s interest for the UK to remain in the European Union.

The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely.