Written answers

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

EU Issues

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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614. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his departmental officials are concerned regarding the referendum on a possible withdrawal of Britain from the European Union, Brexit; the plans in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34170/15]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The question of the UK’s membership of the EU is of clear national importance and is a strategic priority for this Government. We are therefore actively monitoring developments, engaging with our British counterparts and doing all we can to ensure that the UK remains in the European Union. The Taoiseach spoke on this issue last week in the House. For my part and that of my Department, this includes regular engagement at political level with the British Foreign Secretary and ongoing diplomatic engagement through our Embassy in London, Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels and across the member states of the European Union and beyond. At home and abroad, we also engage with a large cross-section of opinion leaders and members of civil society engaged in this debate. I have established a strong working relationship with the British Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond MP, who works closely with Prime Minister Cameron on this issue. The Foreign Secretary has visited Dublin twice in the past year, most recently on 19 June. Both my meeting with the Foreign Secretary and the Taoiseach’s meeting with Prime Minister Cameron in London on 18 June were very positive and constructive.

In addition to regular political contacts, I have also brought Ireland’s concerns to audiences in the UK. Most recently, on 7 September at Chatham House in London, I set out some implications for Ireland of a possible UK exit from the EU, with a focus on our two-way trading relationship and on Northern Ireland. I also reflected on Ireland’s experience of referendum campaigns, especially those related to the EU.

I intend to meet the Foreign Secretary again on this issue in the period ahead as negotiations continue. We have emphasised to our UK colleagues how much value we attach to the fact that both our countries are members of the EU, while making clear that Ireland will remain an EU member state regardless of the outcome of the UK’s referendum. We have said that without necessarily agreeing on all points, that Ireland will be as helpful in the negotiations as we can be.

We will work with our British counterparts on common EU policy and reform objectives, in areas including the creation of a real digital single market, the finalisation of trade agreements and lessening the regulatory burden for our business, while remaining open-minded on any further proposals which the British Government may present.

Overall, the main focus of our work is on examining how best to secure continued British membership of the Union.

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