Published on Wednesday2ndDecember2015

Minister Flanagan launches Debate to promote awareness of “Brexit” implications

20151202FlanaganBrexit

With Minister Flanagan are RTÉ business journalist, Emma McNamara, who moderated the event; Professor Alan Barrett, Director of the ESRI who was on the panel; and John McGrane Director General, British Irish Chamber of Commerce

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Charlie Flanagan this morning launched a partnership between the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants aimed at promoting awareness of the implications of a possible “Brexit” among the Irish business community. 

The launch took place at a BICC breakfast debate hosted by Minister Flanagan in his Department’s headquarters for members of the British and Irish business communities.  Featuring panellists advocating different viewpoints, the debate was entitled “#Brexit or #Bremain? What’s at stake for British-Irish Business?” 

The Minister called on Irish businesses to take part in the upcoming debate, arguing that they had a key role to play:

So many of you are deeply connected to the UK, whether it’s through your clients, your customers, or your suppliers.  That means you are uniquely well-placed to stimulate discussion, both here and in the UK.  To get people thinking about whether Brexit is bad news or not.  To perhaps draw attention to business or commercial realities that had been overlooked. On a matter as fundamental as EU membership, which goes to the very heart of the British and Irish economies, the voice of enterprise carries real clout.  That is because people know your views are formed with jobs and growth in mind – not any other consideration.

Minister Flanagan urged Irish businesses to use every opportunity to stimulate discussion of Brexit and its possible implications.

Read more here.