Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 June 2016
82. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the implications for border security in the event of Britain and Northern Ireland voting to exit the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14460/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraQuite clearly, and as the Deputy will no doubt agree, an outcome of this nature would be seriously inimical to Ireland's interests.
At this stage, it is not clear what the implications of a withdrawal would be for the Common Travel Area and for the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. In such a scenario the land border will become an external border of the European Union, and the European Union or the United Kingdom could decide that they wished to restore border controls. Withdrawal from the EU also raises issues in respect of a whole range of police and judicial cooperation EU instruments including the European Arrest Warrant which are vital to cross border security.
In the event of a vote to leave the Union there will be a period of negotiations to agree the terms of the withdrawal. It is impossible to predict the outcome of these negotiations should they arise. However it is clear that any changes could potentially have a most serious impact on cross border police cooperation and for the citizens of both countries who have enjoyed free movement since the foundation of the Irish State. It would be our intention to try and maintain the existing arrangements regarding the Common Travel Area and police and judicial cooperation but this will be dependent on the positions adopted by the UK and the other 26 EU member states.
