Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

217. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the meetings he proposes to hold in Northern Ireland over the next few weeks regarding the forthcoming British referendum on membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12108/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland has a unique perspective and interest in the outcome of the upcoming referendum on UK membership of the European Union. We fully respect that the outcome of the referendum is, first and foremost, a decision for UK voters to make on 23 June. However, I and my Government colleagues are committed to engaging with the debate to ensure that the Irish perspective is heard and understood. In relation to Northern Ireland, I strongly believe that the causes of peace, reconciliation and prosperity in Northern Ireland have been immeasurably assisted by Ireland and the United Kingdom being common members of the European Union. I have set out the Government’s position in detail on the Northern Ireland dimension to the referendum debate, including within Northern Ireland and in Great Britain. Most recently, I discussed the referendum with party leaders in a series of contacts following the recent elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly. I addressed the issue in media interviews in Belfast last week. Yesterday evening, I visited Derry, where my programme of engagements included a speech to the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce with considerable focus on the EU referendum.

During these final weeks of the referendum campaign, the Government is arranging a targeted series of Ministerial visits to Great Britain and Northern Ireland so we can reach out directly and contribute our perspectives to the referendum debate. Part of this targeted outreach involves continued engagement in Northern Ireland, with further visits to take place there in the coming weeks.