Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2016
67. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he met or will meet his counterparts in the Northern Ireland Assembly and in the British Parliament to discuss the fall-out from a British exit from the European Union on cross-Border co-operation and on issues relating to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15621/16]
View answerI have not yet had the opportunity to meet with Minister for Infrastructure Chris Hazzard or any of his Ministerial colleagues in the Northern Assembly since their appointment. I wish them all well in their Ministerial roles and look forward to working constructively with them through the North South Ministerial Council and bi-laterally where appropriate. I have recently met with my counterpart from the UK government informally in Luxembourg.
While the referendum is a matter for UK voters to decide, the Government's preference is for the UK to remain in the EU. Should the electorate instead vote to leave the EU, a period of two years is provided for under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union during which its exit terms would be negotiated between the UK and the other Member States. The structure of such negotiations is unknown. It is only as they mature that the shape of a future EU-UK relationship would begin to emerge and the full extent of the likely impact on Ireland would be clearer.
As part of wider Government preparations, my Department continues to work with other Government Departments through an inter-departmental committee to identify the strategic and operational risks that may arise from a 'leave' vote and to prepare contingency planning. As matters evolve I will be reviewing any potential impacts on functions relating to my Department, including in particular co-operation with Northern Ireland, and will engage with my counterparts in the Northern Executive and Westminster as required.
