Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

19. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is addressing the implications of a British withdrawal from the European Union with his European Union counterparts; if he is fully committed to the European project; if he is conscious of the need to review the impact of ultra-nationalism across Europe; the need for a specific response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11913/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government's position on the EU-UK question is clear and has been outlined on many occasions: while respecting that this is a decision for the UK voters to make on 23 June, as our friend, closest neighbour and partner, we want the UK to remain as a member of the European Union.

My Ministerial colleagues and I have been active in our engagement with the UK Government, and with our EU partners, in outlining our concerns and our interests in this matter, and in working for an acceptable deal at EU level in February, that enabled Prime Minister Cameron to recommend and campaign vigorously for the UK to remain in the EU.

There has been no discussion at EU level of the implications of a British exit - much would depend on the withdrawal negotiations and the shape of the future EU-UK relationship. For the time being therefore, we await the result of the referendum and stand ready to engage with the next phase as appropriate.

The Government is, of course, fully committed to the European project, as are the vast majority of Irish people.

On the issue of ultra-nationalism, the rise of such movements, which are not committed to democratic means, in some states in Europe is clearly of great concern. Given its particular history, Europe has to be vigilant to the false promises of extremist ideologies with their simplistic solutions to complex problems.

Where extreme movements – of whatever political hue – advocate violent responses or target particular groups in society, they must be met with the full rigours of the law.