KENNY: STRONG LINKS TO UK AND EU IS IN OUR NATIONAL INTEREST

‘IN recent months the Irish Government has advocated for our belief that the EU is better with Britain as a leading member and that Britain and Ireland have always worked together very well, as equal partners, within the EU. ‘I am very sorry that the result of the referendum is for the UK to leave the European Union. However, the British people have spoken and we fully respect their decision.’ ‘I want to assure the Irish public that we have prepared, to the greatest extent possible, for this eventuality. Let me say that the implications of this vote for Northern Ireland and for relations North and South... will require careful consideration. And this will be of particular priority for the government here. ‘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 Good Friday Agreement so many years ago. ‘I welcome the clear statement from the Prime Minister this morning that the interests of Northern Ireland will be fully reflected in the negotiating position of the British government. ‘I will meet with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Executive on Monday week at the North-South Ministerial Council where we will have detailed discussions on how best approach these new circumstances – acting in the best interests of all of the people of Ireland, North and South. ‘In the medium term a related concern is that of the Common Travel Area between Britain and Ireland. For our part, the 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. Let me 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... Ireland will, of course, remain a member of the European Union. This is profoundly in our national interest.’