Ireland and the Brexit debate

Sir, – It is nauseating to see our political leaders quivering at the likelihood of Britain exiting the EU. Ireland could only benefit hugely from this scenario. Every time in recent history that we have further emphasised our sovereignty from Britain through fiscal measures, such as joining the European Monetary System in 1979 to adopting the euro, our nation has benefitted, particularly from enormous foreign direct investment. Brexit might even draw the canny Northerners closer to us, led by their pragmatic business community. – Yours, etc,

JIM DEEGAN,

Railtours Ireland,

Dublin 1.

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Sir, – In response to Michael McCafferty (February 5th), it is important to be clear about the distinction between the terms "citizen" and "resident". In order to hold an Irish passport, one must be an Irish citizen. Therefore, Mr McCafferty is an Irish citizen, and that is not changed by the fact that he is resident in the UK. In fact, even if he is also a citizen of the UK, that would not affect his rights as an Irish citizen either.

However, it is important to note that entitlement to some reciprocal arrangements within the EU depends on residency in addition to citizenship, while others depend solely on citizenship.

For example, the rights to freedom of movement, use of EU passport lanes at airports and visa-free travel all depend on citizenship only. Consequently, Mr McCafferty’s entitlement to those rights would be unchanged by a Brexit.

Conversely, entitlement to a European Health Insurance Card is based on residency, so UK residents might well lose their entitlement to that benefit if the UK leaves the EU.

Having said that, the UK could negotiate continued access to some or all of these reciprocal arrangements even if it leaves the EU. The devil will be in the detail. – Yours, etc,

JACK NORTHWOOD,

Murrumbeena,

Victoria,

Australia.