Ireland’s partnership approach reflects maturity of Ireland as location of substance for international business – Matheson
Ireland’s approach to Brexit reflects its maturity as a location of substance for international businesses operating in Europe, according to Michael Jackson, Managing Partner of leading Irish law firm, Matheson. He was speaking last night (Thursday 28th September) at the latest Matheson Leadership Series of Brexit briefings which was addressed by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney TD and Lord Nicholas Macpherson, former Secretary to the Treasury in the UK from 2005 to 2016.
Speaking at the event, Michael Jackson, Managing Partner at Matheson said: “At Matheson, we have made a very deliberate effort to facilitate an understanding and discussion of all of the nuances of Brexit and the business issues arising from Brexit. While other jurisdictions have adopted a predatory approach to UK-based business, I believe that Ireland’s measured, partnership-based approach has reflected the maturity of Ireland as a location of substance for internationally-focused businesses.
“Freedom of access to markets and free movement of international talent are two of the key concerns which are raised by companies with which we interact. Ireland’s continued commitment to membership of the EU provides certainty in relation to these issues. Having the Irish Government, and indeed all principal Irish political parties, committing Ireland again to certainty in terms of legal, regulatory and taxation requirements has resulted in many international businesses identifying Ireland as a place which can play an important role in managing the disruption to their business models as a result of Brexit. The contributions of Minister Coveney and Lord Macpherson in sharing their views and insights at our latest Matheson Leadership Series event add to our understanding of the challenges that lie ahead and how best we might all work together to overcome them.”
Commenting on the Brexit challenge, Minister Coveney said: “The political and economic challenges that Brexit bring are many and varied, and require a comprehensive and co-ordinated response by those inside and outside the political system. That is why I have commenced regular meetings of a Brexit Forum for all stakeholders and continue to co-ordinate a whole of government response to the challenges. My officials and I have constant engagement with colleagues in the EU and the UK to influence this process as constructively as we can. Events such as the Leadership Series hosted by Matheson are a welcome contribution to this process. Bringing leaders of industry together and informed voices from both sides of the Irish Sea to have an open and frank dialogue can only help to improve all our understanding of Brexit and its consequences .”
Commenting on the issues involved, Lord Macpherson said: “Brexit has huge implications for the UK and Ireland. There is still considerable uncertainty about the ultimate destination, and how the UK will get from here to there. Brexit is going to happen and so it’s more important than ever that the EU, Ireland and UK work together to minimise the potential damage to trade and living standards.”