Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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58. To ask the Minister for Finance the degree to which he remains in contact with his EU counterparts to ensure the remaining 27 members states of the European Union are ad idem in respect of the need to maintain a co-ordinated approach in the context of the post-Brexit situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11483/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Since the UK referendum outcome, I have met with my EU counterparts at the monthly Ecofin and Eurogroup meetings, with the next meeting scheduled for 12-13 March. I also meet and speak by phone with my European counterparts on an ongoing basis outside of Ecofin and Eurogroup meetings, as appropriate.

In relation to Brexit, the Government’s  priorities are clear:  minimising any impact on trade and the economy, protecting the Northern Ireland Peace Process, maintaining the Common Travel Area, and influencing the future of the European Union. A critical part of the Government’s strategy and preparations for the negotiations has been to ensure that our priorities and unique concerns are heard and understood across Europe.  The very strong acknowledgement of our unique circumstances by the EU 27, both in the European Council Negotiating Guidelines and the European Commission Draft Withdrawal Agreement is reflective of this engagement. We continue to work closely with the Commission Task Force and our EU 27 partners. As we prepare for the European Council later this month, and for the negotiation period ahead, the Government will continue to engage politically to ensure that Ireland’s interests are kept to the forefront of the negotiations as much as possible.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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60. To ask the Minister for Finance the degree to which the financial services sector here may become enhanced by developments arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11485/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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We already have a successful track record of competing for, and winning, global foreign direct investment.  Ireland offers a very good solution for companies who potentially may have a difficulty selling goods and services to the EU single market after Brexit.  In particular, International financial services (IFS) is an area that is identified as an area of opportunity for Ireland post Brexit.

Ireland will be the only English-speaking Common Law jurisdiction in the EU after the UK leave the EU.  This means that international financial services companies can establish here quickly in order to service their international and European customers with a minimum disruption to their business, proven by the firms that have already moved some or all of the operations to Ireland. We are, therefore, a solution to firms who wish to passport their financial services to the EU market post-Brexit.

Government and the State Agencies have been working closely with industry to implement the international financial services strategy (IFS2020). The vision of IFS2020 is for Ireland to be recognised as the global location of choice for specialist international financial services.  

We have made great progress in becoming a strong hub for international financial services business over the years – Ireland is currently home to some of the world’s largest IFS companies across all the sectors.  We are a global lead in aviation leasing and financing and also among the top destinations for funds (asset management) and FinTech, building on our strengths in technology and financial services.

A number of firms have already indicated that Ireland is their preferred choice for their European headquarters, including many household names. In respect of relocations post Brexit not every firm will want to make the relocation decision public for commercial and other reasons.

We have a very strong offering and we've done extensive work to promote that offering.