Enda Kenny and David Cameron plot next steps for Ireland-UK relationship
The Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister have spoken by phone for 12 minutes in the wake of the UK vote to leave the EU.
Enda Kenny and David Cameron have agreed to initiate immediate talks between Ireland and Britain on key issues such as the Common Travel Area and the border with Northern Ireland.
At an emergency Cabinet meeting earlier, the Taoiseach said he was very sorry that the UK had voted for a Brexit.
The Dáil will be recalled on Monday to discuss the Brexit and the issue will top an EU summit in Brussels next week.
The Government's contingency plan for a Brexit was prepared over "many months", the Department of the Taoiseach said, and includes on the economic front:
- An information campaign by Enterprise Ireland including explainers and guides, online information and webinars, an updated UK market access guide and regional seminars in Ireland and the UK.
- Intensified international trade missions by Enterprise Ireland for the rest of 2016, including tonorthern Europe, the US, China, India and other high growth markets. Enterprise Ireland will also host an International Markets week in October in Ireland, to provide Irish exporters with access to its overseas market advisors.
- Enterprise Ireland’s UK office, based in London, will provide advice and support on the implications of Brexit such as improving competitiveness, reducing supply chain costs, accessing funding, employment regulations and legal issues, as well as identification of key business opportunities.
- Enterprise Ireland will intensify its work with clients exporting to the UK to improve their competitiveness in the market through its management capability and development programmes and can provide international funding supports to client companies for evaluating new market opportunities.
The planning process identified the following priority issues: UK-EU negotiations, British-Irish relations, Northern Ireland, trade, investment, North-South border impacts, competitiveness and macro–economic issues, research/innovation funding and energy.
The Taoiseach has said there is no evidence to support calls for a border poll on Northern Ireland joining the Republic.
The call from Sinn Féin comes as the north voted in favour of remaining in the European Union along with Scotland.
The Scottish First Minister has already said a vote for independence is now firmly back on the table as a result of the Brexit vote.
And the Taoiseach Enda Kenny gave this response when asked if he'd support a vote on a united Ireland: “With regard to a border poll, that is contained in the Good Friday Agreement, provided that the secretary of State of the day considers that there could be a serious movement of a majority of people to want to have a situation where they want to join the Republic.
“There is no such evidence.
“There are much more serious issues to deal with in the immediate term and that is where our focus is.”
Taoiseach Enda Kenny spoke for the first time since the Brexit referendum and has said he respects the UK's position on voting to leave the EU.
No immediate change to flow of goods and people between both countries, says Kenny #brexit #iestaff
— Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) June 24, 2016
He said the Irish Government has prepared for this eventuality and there will be no immediate change to the freeflow of people, goods or services between Ireland and the UK.
He said the Government would be working hard to minimise any possible disruption of the flow of goods and services in the coming months.
The Taoiseach also said he was ‘acutely aware’ of the concerns of the Irish people regarding this decision and he also reiterated Ireland’s intention to remain in the EU which he described as an issue of ‘profoundly International interest.’
"I want to assure them that the Irish Government will also have their interests in our thinking as we approach the forthcoming negotiations. It is important to remember that the position of Irish citizens within the EU will be unaffected."
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Live: What Brexit means for Ireland
He says there will be a number of key actions and the government will work to protect and advance this country's interests.
Ireland of course will remain in EU, adds Taoiseach #brexit #iestaff
— Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) June 24, 2016
"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. We must now begin a period of reflection and debate on how we can renew the Union of 27 and equip it for the challenges ahead."
'Acutely aware' of concerns felt by thousands of people here and in Britain, says Kenny #brexit #iestaff
— Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) June 24, 2016
Mr Kenny finished his speech by offering his best wishes to David Cameron who he described as a friend and a supporter at EU level.
"Finally I’d like to reiterate that while Ireland’s future lies within the European Union, Ireland’s strong and close relationship with the UK will remain."
The Dáil is being recalled on Monday for a special meeting to discuss Brexit.
Kenny expresses best wishes to Cameron & both have worked closely together, he says. A good friend, a supporter at EU level #Brexit #iestaff
— Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) June 24, 2016
Answering questions after his speech, the Taoiseach defended his decision to campaign in Britain where efforts were made to persuade Irish people there to vote to remain.
