Minister For Foreign Affairs To Deliver Keynote Speech At Brexit Event

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, will deliver the opening keynote address at an Institute of European and International Affairs conference, "Brexit: A Risky Business".

It is understood the Minister will urge attendees to reach out to their contacts in Britain to share the Irish perspective on the UK's potential exit from the European Union.

Speaking ahead of the event, Minister Flanagan said: "Much has been said about the economic and Northern Ireland dimensions of a possible withdrawal by the UK from the EU, and quite rightly. While these are issues of paramount importance in the debate, particularly from an Irish standpoint, it is important not to lose sight of the valuable role of the UK within the European Union and the need for this to be addressed in the debate.

"The EU has provided a forum for Ireland and the UK to work closely together on a wide range of issues, from promoting the completion of the digital single market and promoting policies that support jobs to cooperation on tackling the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and mutual assistance in consular cases, particularly at times of natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

"The UK has contributed a huge amount to the EU over the last four decades of membership and the Irish Government, backed by a chorus of voices around the UK, Ireland and the EU itself, firmly holds that the EU is far better off with 28 members states working together to deliver for our citizens.

"The effectiveness, the internal balance and the credibility of the EU itself would be damaged by a British departure. The EU will be stronger with the UK as a fully engaged member state in the years ahead."

The Minister encouraged conference attendees to reach out to their contacts in Britain to share the Irish perspective. He said:

"I urge every person here today to set themselves a target of talking to twenty people. Give them the Irish perspective and ask them to spread the word."

(MH/LM)