Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2013
53. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there has been an analysis by his Department of the impact on foreign domestic investment into Ireland if the UK moves towards a renegotiation or referendum on their position in the EU; if he intends asking Forfás or other relevant bodies to conduct such an analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3182/13]
View answer56. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Industrial Development Agency will highlight to companies locating here that our position within the EU is secure but that the UK position is uncertain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3175/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 56 together.
While the question of the British relationship with the European Union is, in the first instance, a matter for Britain itself, I firmly believe that the UK is better off within the European Union, and that the Union is strengthened by having the UK within it. I agree with the strong case set out by Prime Minister Cameron in his recent speech on the subject for the importance of the UK's continuing and active membership of the Union.
The priority of the government is to build stability, jobs and growth, and we are working as Presidency of the European Union to ensure that these are at the top of the agenda across the work of the Union. The UK remains a key partner for us in this regard. With other Member States, we have a shared interest in making sure that the Union is properly equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
In the domestic context, continuing to attract foreign direct investment is one of the cornerstones of our economic recovery. Ireland's status as an attractive location for investment is underpinned by our educated workforce, our position as the only English-speaking country within the Eurozone and, of course, our strong commitment to the European Union. These factors will continue to attract investment to Ireland into the future.
Irish prosperity is also closely linked with deepening and enhancing the economic relationship with the UK, which remains Ireland's largest trading partner. Trade with the UK is of vital importance to the jobs and livelihoods of a significant proportion of our workforce. As set out in the joint statement of the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Cameron on the future of British-Irish relations of March 2012, a joint evaluation of the British-Irish economic relationship and this project is now underway, with consultants working to examine the depth of interdependence between the economies and to identify common strategic challenges and opportunities to be addressed.
