Ladies and gentlemen, a pleasure to welcome you to this event organized by the Centre for European Legal Studies here in the Faculty of Law.

I'm Kenneth Armstrong, the Director of the Centre and Professor of European Law here in the Faculty.

And tonight's talk will be given by Dan Mulhall, the Irish ambassador to the UK.

Prior to his posting to the UK in 2013, Ambassador Mulhall held important positions,

including postings in Berlin as ambassador to Germany and also working within the Irish permanent representation

to the European Union. And I think having good knowledge of German politics and the inner

workings of the EU will stand in good stead for tonight's talk.

Together with my college colleague, Professor Eugenio Beijini Dammel Halls just edited and published a new edition of the shaping of modern Ireland, the centenary assessment.

It's a reflection on the key men and women of influence in the foundation and development of the Irish state.

Now tonight's lecture moves us from 1916 to 2016 and some of the more immediate questions

of statehood in a changing international context. And in June, the UK will vote on whether

to remain in the European Union or indeed to leave.

Now, the UK and Ireland, of course, joined the then EEC together in 1973.

And there's been a steady flow of persons, trade and culture between these two member states.

And the decision that the UK makes, in June, will have repercussions for Ireland.

And so it gives me a great pleasure to now invite Ambassador Mill Hall to offer an Irish perspective

on the UK, Ireland and the European Union.

Thank you so much for coming tonight.

Well, thank you very much.

I was actually here at Cambridge University

on Friday. In fact, on Thursday

evening, I gave a talk

...