Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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25. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is monitoring the potential economic fallout from the possible exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, in particular the consequences for the Border counties, including County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8780/16]

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 our economy, for the ongoing development of the excellent bilateral relations between Ireland and the UK and of course for stability and prosperity in Northern Ireland; independent research indicates that Ireland is the EU Member State which would be most affected by any change in the EU/UK relationship.

In addition to the important bilateral considerations, we also believe that the EU itself is stronger and more effective with the UK as a member.

The UK's continued membership of the Union is therefore a matter of strategic importance 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 2015 and is an important contribution to understanding the potential issues arising, including the impacts across sectors and regions.

My Department, and other Government Departments, are working together to continue our assessment of all the issues involved in protecting Ireland's interests which include but are not limited to the counties mentioned - and we are continuing to explore the potential risks and to plan accordingly in the period up to 23 June 2016.