Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

63. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on recent estimates from the UK Parliament of the net annual cost to the Irish Exchequer of a united Ireland; if his Department has carried out any research into the way this might be funded by a future united State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16420/17]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has lead responsibility for issues relating to Northern Ireland.

As the Deputy will be aware, the principle of consent and the possibility of a change in constitutional status in Northern Ireland is a fundamental part of the Good Friday Agreement, which was endorsed by the people of this island, North and South.

The calling of a border poll under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement falls to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The test applied is that he/she considers it likely that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland. There is no convincing evidence at present to suggest that a majority of the people of Northern Ireland would opt for a change in its constitutional status.

The Government is already extensively engaged with all EU Member States and Institutions to build understanding for the imperative of ensuring respect for all provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, including the provision for a border poll.

In terms of the estimates that the Deputy refers to, the position is that there have been many reports produced by the UK parliament regarding Brexit and its implications.  However, officials in my Department are not aware of any specific estimates of costs that could relate to the Irish Exchequer.

Furthermore, in the absence of any prospect of a border poll in the near future, my Department does not have any active plans to carry out the research specifically referred to by the Deputy.