Ireland’s European Parliament seats
Thomas P. Broughan asked whether Brexit would allow Ireland to gain better representation in the European Parliament. The Tánaiste said seat reallocation would be considered if British seats were removed, and Ireland would seek the maximum possible representation.
Has the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade given any consideration to the make-up of the European Parliament following Brexit in 2019? Is there any indication that we could get better representation for this country? Has the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade taken any view on this? As the Tánaiste knows, we are increasingly becoming a large net contributor to the European Union in financial terms. If Commissioner Hogan's proposal is accepted, we will be even more of a net contributor. Is the Tánaiste giving consideration to getting more seats for Ireland in the European Parliament after Brexit and the loss of the British delegation?
Comment on this
Once the British no longer have representation in the European Parliament, if the same number of parliamentarians are to be retained, there will have to be reallocation of seats to other countries. I had a number of discussions in the European Parliament some months ago on that issue, to decide on a recommendation. I do not want to give any detail of that without certainty as I do not want to raise expectations. Ireland will look to ensure that we have the maximum possible representation in the context of any changes that take place.