Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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131. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his European Union colleagues continue to examine and evaluate the consequences of a possible British exit from the European Union, with particular reference to the potential impact for this country, Northern Ireland, the European Union and Britain; if adequate thought is being given to the full economic and political consequences in the event of an exit of a major power from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37689/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I would begin by referring Deputy Durkan to my response to Parliamentary Question 36840/15 submitted by Deputy Broughan, which addresses a similar question.

The Government is very much aware of the key significance of British membership of the EU for our national interests. We know how important it is not just for our economy but also for the continuing strength of British-Irish relations and for peace and stability in Northern Ireland. It’s also our firm view that the EU is better and stronger as a whole on account of British membership. That is why our main focus remains on doing all we can to ensure that the UK remains part of the Union, rather than planning for their departure.

That does not mean, however, that we are ignoring the possibility of a fundamental change in the nature of the UK’s relationship with the EU. Indeed, analysis has been underway for some time of the various and complex issues that would arise for Ireland in such a scenario. The Department of the Taoiseach continues to coordinate cross-Governmental efforts in this area as we move forward with this work.

My own Department, given its responsibility for both Foreign Affairs and Trade, is naturally heavily involved. My officials are engaging actively with counterparts across our own system, as well as within the British administration and further afield in other EU capitals. Our offices abroad, not least our Embassy in London and Permanent Representation in Brussels, are valuable assets in this context.

A key aim for us is to ensure that the UK best understand why their EU membership matters as much as it does for Ireland. That is why I recently addressed an influential audience in Chatham House in London on this particular subject. I have also discussed the EU-UK relationship with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond on a number of occasions and the Taoiseach has had similar exchanges with Prime Minister Cameron. I intend to re-emphasise the importance of continued UK membership of the EU during my planned meeting with Foreign Secretary Hammond on 23 November.