Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

53. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent, if any, to which he might, along with his European Union colleagues and arising from Brexit, identify if political groups within individual member states in the European Union appear to be determined to undermine the Union itself and bring about a chaotic situation which can only lead to social and economic instability and unrest; his views on whether a time has come to redefine and restore the objectives on which modern Europe was founded whereby each individual member state instead of imposing its will on the Union or opting out of participation in its structures can again come to take ownership of the European project for the benefit of all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19413/16]

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

The issues which the Deputy raises are complex and there will be many views on the factors that gave rise to the outcome of the referendum and the roles played by the political parties and groups in the campaign. Of course, conditions with regard to public discourse and debate on the Union within each Member State are different. I am well aware that, in individual Member States, there are those who would wish to leave the Union. However, this is not the position of any Government or Parliament.

The outcome of the UK referendum has highlighted issues which are surfacing - not only in the EU – but in politics throughout the Western World. From an EU perspective it reminds us of the need to focus on implementing concrete measures on jobs, growth and security – measures that improve the lives of all EU citizens, and that are the building blocks of long-term prosperity and stability for us all. At the European Council meeting in Brussels last week which the Taoiseach attended, the 27 EU leaders addressed this point and had a preliminary exchange on the best way forward. It was agreed that a period of further reflection would begin, and that they would have a more substantial discussion in the autumn. To this end, a meeting of EU leaders has been scheduled for September in Bratislava, hosted by the Slovak Presidency.

For the future, we must address the big challenges we face in a way that commands public confidence. We must work both to ensure that the EU emerges stronger from the current situation: that it does its own work better and that it is better communicated to the public. The Government will continue to work closely with the EU Institutions and our fellow Member States to put the citizen at the heart of the EU agenda for sustainable investment, competitiveness, growth and jobs.