Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2016
26. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had contact with party leaders in the United Kingdom regarding the UK's exit from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19458/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe referendum outcome presents serious challenges for the EU as a whole but it presents specific challenges here in Ireland as I and my Government colleagues repeatedly outlined in the period leading up to the 23 June referendum. It is important for us now in the days, weeks, months and, indeed, years ahead, that Ireland’s particular circumstances are understood and taken into account.
In the period since the referendum result was announced, the Taoiseach, I and government colleagues have engaged in extensive contacts with political figures in Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well as with EU partners.
On Friday 24 June, I spoke with the UK Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers. I also spoke with political leaders in Northern Ireland and a number of my EU counterparts. I travelled to Belfast on 29 June and met with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, with Secretary of State Villiers and with opposition leaders.
The Taoiseach participated at the European Council meeting on 28 June and subsequently at the informal meeting of 27 EU Heads of State and Government on 29 June. As the Deputy is aware, the focus of these meetings was the outcome of the UK referendum and the Taoiseach spoke again with Prime Minister Cameron during the European Council.
In terms of political leaders across the UK, the Deputy will be aware that Prime Minister Cameron’s successor as leader of his political party will be made known by 9 September. In the meantime, Prime Minister Cameron and his cabinet continue in office and we continue to work closely with them and with their officials.
In the period prior to the referendum, including when Irish ministers and some members of the opposition travelled to Britain and Northern Ireland to communicate the Irish perspective, there was extensive engagement with public representatives from both government and opposition. Also, this week, the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly, which brings together parliamentarians from across the UK and Ireland, met in County Dublin and focused much of their discussions on the outcome of the referendum.
I enjoyed a positive working relationship with the former British Labour Party Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Vernon Coaker MP, and I look forward to working with his successor, David Anderson MP, in the time ahead.
Having outlined my priorities during our special debate in this House last week, I would take this opportunity to reiterate two important points regarding the period ahead. We must all bear in mind that the United Kingdom is not leaving the European Union immediately and that all arrangements, rights and facilities linked to EU membership still apply in full. A negotiation process will get underway and will take a minimum of two years prior to a UK exit. During that time the United Kingdom remains a full EU Member, with all the existing rights and obligations.
Also, I would stress that the ongoing work to support stability, reconciliation and prosperity for the people in Northern Ireland is a key priority across this entire process. The Irish government’s strategy will be to work urgently and intensively with the British Government and Northern Ireland parties to see how collectively we can ensure that the gains of the last two decades are fully protected in whatever post-exit arrangements are negotiated.
