Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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41. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the Economic and Social Research Institute report on Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40011/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Government's position on developments in relation to British membership of the EU has been clearly articulated, in particular by the Taoiseach and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade: we very much want the UK to remain an integral member of the Union. This is important for both our economy and the ongoing development of excellent relations between Ireland and the UK; Ireland is perhaps the Member State which would be most affected by any change in the EU/UK relationship.  It is the Government's stated position that the EU itself is stronger and more effective with the UK as a member.

The UK's continuing membership within the Union is therefore a strategic objective for the Government.  In this regard, Government Departments, including my own, have been working on this matter for some time.  Under the Department of Finance/Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) research programme agreement, my Department commissioned research to be undertaken on scoping the potential economic implications on Ireland of a change in the EU/UK relationship. The research was published on 5 November and is an important contribution in deepening our understanding of the potential issues arising. Although the research was commissioned under the Department of  Finance/ESRI research programme agreement, it is important to underline that the ESRI is an independent institution.