The decision of a majority of people in the United Kingdom to vote to leave the European Union is profoundly disappointing. On a personal level I am deeply saddened by these developments. Ireland and the UK joined the EEC together in 1973 and since then have worked together, as equal partners, to achieve new levels of friendship and co-operation.
However, we fully accept the decision of the people and now move on to plan an orderly and structured disengagement process. Our priority will be to look after the interests of our own country and its citizens.
To start this process I will attend the European Council along with all the other EU leaders next Tuesday and Wednesday. There is a recognition around Europe that Ireland has a unique relationship with the UK and a special interest in its future with the EU. As such we will make our voice heard to ensure that what is agreed is in the best interest of Ireland, the UK and the EU. As leader of the Fine Gael Party, I will also use our position in the European People’s Party to clearly state our views with our European political partners. Following discussions with Irish Opposition leaders yesterday there was an acknowledgment that they too have an important role in outlining Irish concerns to their European political groupings. There should be no knee-jerk reaction to the UK decision.
Implications
What is needed now is time and space to properly consider the implications. In this context we support the use of article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union as the best method to properly structure the upcoming negotiations and we support a period of reflection before launching into these negotiations. For this reason the negotiations may not commence for some months yet, and will take a considerable amount of time to complete. In that regard, it is important to stress that Britain remains a member of the EU until negotiations have been concluded. We must take this breathing space . . . and use it wisely to prepare for an EU without the UK.
The reasons why a majority of the British people chose to vote Leave are many and varied. What is vital now is that there is no course of action taken that could be seen as an attempt to chastise the UK for its decision.
The path we need to take should pull people back from the political fringes of Europe. We need to work together towards a mutually beneficial solution for Ireland, the UK and for Europe. For our part we have engaged in detailed contingency planning for the possibility of this result.
Yesterday, at Government, we agreed to publish a summary of the key actions we will now take to address the contingencies arising from the UK’s decision. The Summer Economic Statement, published earlier this week, includes an assessment of the potential economic impact of a UK vote to leave the EU.
Ireland is a strong, open and competitive economy – our ongoing economic recovery is testament to our resilience. We will continue to implement policies that prioritise economic stability, growth and job creation and we will use the fruits of a strong economy for the benefit of our people.
Trade challenges
In relation to the immediate trade challenges, Enterprise Ireland will implement a range of plans to help exporters such as the provision of guidance and up to date information, market diversification supports, intensification of UK market supports, and management and financial supports. The impact on enterprise and trade in Border counties will be monitored closely. In addition, a dedicated unit has been established in the Department of Agriculture to deal with the issues arising for our important agri-food sector and Minister Michael Creed will convene a consultative committee of stakeholders to ensure a full exchange of information.
The implications of this vote for Northern Ireland and for relations between North and South on this island will require careful consideration. These will be a particular priority for the Irish Government. We will approach these issues in the same spirit of partnership that has underpinned the peace process and has transformed relationships on this island since the Belfast Agreement.
The Irish Government will do our utmost in upcoming discussions to maintain the Common Travel Area and minimise any possible disruptions to the flow of people, goods and services between these islands. We are also acutely aware of the concerns which will be felt across the Irish community in Britain. I want to assure them that the Irish Government will also have their interests in our thinking as we approach the forthcoming negotiations.
Finally it is important to reiterate that Ireland will remain a proactive member of the EU. That is profoundly in our national interest. After more than 40 years of membership, we have built up strong bonds of partnership with all the other member states, and with the European institutions, that will continue to serve us well.
While Ireland’s future lies within the EU, Ireland’s strong and close relationship with the UK will continue long into the future.