Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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106. To ask the Taoiseach if he agreed any of the requests from Britain in relation to staying in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40027/15]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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107. To ask the Taoiseach if he has reservations regarding any of the terms that Britain is requesting from the European Union so that it will stay in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40028/15]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government believes that the UK's continued membership of the EU is of strategic importance for Ireland. This is in the best interests of our bilateral relationship, and of the Union as a whole. As shown by a number of independent studies, a British departure from the EU would have serious implications for Ireland.

In his letter to the President of the European Council on 10 November, Prime Minister Cameron outlined the areas in which he is seeking to negotiate change in the EU/UK relationship. However, no specific textual proposals are yet on the table. Bilateral consultations between EU Member States and the EU institutions will commence shortly, with a view to clarifying the detail of the proposals and examining the possible technical and legal implications.

While the European Council is due to return to the issue at its meeting on 17/18 December, it is not yet clear when and how collective negotiation will be organised. Nor is it clear when the negotiations might conclude.

While the Departments concerned are, with my Department, of course analysing the UK proposals, it is too early therefore to be definitive on particular issues. However, given our overall starting point, although we might not fully agree in all areas, we will be as helpful and constructive in the negotiations as possible.

In the area of competitiveness we would in general very much agree with the UK. We would wish to see their concerns on the other broad areas, including the relationship between members and non-members of the euro area and questions of subsidiarity and sovereignty, appropriately accommodated. Initial reactions from partners would seem to confirm that some, though not all, aspects of what they are proposing on addressing abuses of free movement and welfare reform could be very difficult for others, but the Prime Minister has indicated an openness to alternative approaches.

I outlined our general approach again in my speech to the CBI conference in London on 9 November and also discussed the issue with Prime Minister Cameron at our meeting the same day.