Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 February 2017
333. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will support British requests for access to the single market without reciprocal rights for freedom of movement for other EU states. [5349/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn their statements of 29 June and 15 December 2016 the Heads of State or Government of the twenty-seven other Member States of the EU, including the Taoiseach, have been clear that the four freedoms that underpin the Single Market, including the freedom of movement of people, are indivisible and that continued membership of the Single Market would include agreeing to the freedom of movement. However, the British Government, in setting out its vision of a future EU-UK relationship, has now made clear that it does not seek to be a member of or retain full access to the Single Market. It has made clear that being able to control the immigration of EU workers into the UK is a top priority. We nonetheless welcome the commitment by the British Government to seek as close and as frictionless a trade relationship with the EU as possible. This very much aligns with Ireland’s priorities.
However, the future relationship will in due course be the subject of negotiations. It is to be hoped that all concerned, including the British Government, will take a realistic and constructive approach.
