Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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167. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way he and his Department are preparing for the referendum on European Union membership that is proposed in the United Kingdom in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18881/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The debate in the United Kingdom regarding its relationship with the European Unionis followed extremely closely by my Department, the Department of the Taoiseach and indeed all government departments. That focus will now only intensify following the recent general election in Britain and Prime Minister Cameron’s commitment to holding a referendum on the country’s EU membership by 2017. My Government colleagues and I have been clear in voicing our view that joint British-Irish membership has been hugely beneficial to our country and our relationship with the UK. The important role the EU has played in the context of Northern Ireland should also not be forgotten, as the Taoiseach emphasised recently in a speech in Belfast.

Our unique relationship with the UK – in economic, social, cultural and historical terms – means we have a deep interest in the outcome of this debate about that country’s future in Europe. We also value the contribution the UK has made to the EU during the four decades we have been members together and we share a similar approach on many key policy areas. Given the importance we attach to their ongoing membership, a key priority will be ensuring that our UK partners remain fully aware of the potential consequences for Ireland of any fundamental change in the nature of their membership of the EU.

I have addressed many of these points directly with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond. I have also written to him following his recent re-appointment and will remain in close contact with him in the time ahead.

Our Embassy in London is, of course, very active with regard to EU-UK relationship. Its input and reporting on this, together with the reports and analysis we receive from our other diplomatic missions across the EU, will continue to be of key importance.

We will work closely in the coming period with both our British and EU partners the objective of ensuring continued UK membership of the European Union.