23 October 2015
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Minister for European Affairs and Data Protection Dara Murphy T.D., today met with his British counterpart, Minister for Europe, David Lidington MP.
The two Ministers discussed the EU-UK relationship, in the context of the ongoing negotiations that the British are undertaking with the EU institutions in advance of the British referendum on EU membership.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Murphy said:
“Ireland and the UK enjoy close and positive relations and cooperate closely on myriad issues both bilaterally and in the EU. Ireland’s position on British membership of the EU is well-known: we believe that remaining in the European Union is better for our bilateral relations and better for the Union as a whole. At this point in the process, Ireland stands ready to be supportive where we can and we look forward to hearing more from Prime Minister Cameron in November.”
Minister Murphy also addressed a number of other items on the EU agenda with his British counterpart, including ongoing discussions on better regulation and the single market. Minister Murphy commented:
“We have many important issues currently under review on the EU agenda and discussions will continue at Council meetings in the months ahead. Our meeting today provided a welcome opportunity to talk through some of these key questions with the UK where we share strong views on the importance of improving the EU business environment to the benefit of us all.”
