Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

29. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views regarding the impact of a UK exit from the European Union, particularly on Irish trade and the common travel area; and if this issue is being considered by his Department with a view to drawing up plans for use in the event of an exit. [2608/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I set out the Government’s position on this question in a speech in London on 14 November. While the question remains for now a matter of speculation, pending a decision by a British Government to pursue negotiations with EU partners in advance of holding a referendum on UK membership of the Union, we want the UK to remain a full and integral member of the EU. We firmly believe this is good for Ireland and our economy and plays a key role in helping to maintain the excellent state of British-Irish relations. It is also our view that the EU is stronger for having the UK amongst its twenty-eight Member States. The Taoiseach has confirmed this approach, most recently in a speech he made on 13 January to my Department’s Conference in Dublin Castle.

By the same logic, the Government’s view is that a British departure from the EU would have negative implications for Ireland. Assessing the likely full impact of such a complex scenario is impossible, not least given that much would depend on the terms and conditions of a future UK relationship with the EU. However, initial analysis co-ordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach and with the involvement of all Government Departments confirms that there is a very wide range of issues which could arise. For a start, the UK’s exit would deprive Ireland of a very important ally within the Union on such issues as trade and the deepening of the single market. It would also mean that by far our largest trading partner – with which we trade almost €1 billion worth of goods and services ever week – would be outside the EU. It could also have implications for Northern Ireland and for North-South cooperation.

The Government will continue to deepen its analysis and to monitor the situation extremely carefully in the time ahead. My Department will continue to co-operate very closely with the Department of the Taoiseach and other Departments. The reporting we receive from our Embassy in London and from Embassies elsewhere in the EU will continue to be a vital source of information and analysis.

Ireland is determined to play a constructive role in seeking to keep the UK within the EU. That is a priority for the Government. We will continue to work closely with the UK and other like-minded partners on those policy issues where we share the same interests and approach. We will also support any reasonable proposals for reform of the functioning of the Union, while at the same time making clear where we believe that specific proposals are undesirable or unachievable.