The implications for Ireland if Britain leaves the EU will be discussed by an Oireachtas committee this afternoon. 

The Joint Committee on European Union Affairs has been holding a series of meetings on the issue.

This afternoon, the committee will consider treaty protocols and criminal justice issues that could arise if the UK departs the EU.

There would be knock on effects on immigration, borders and the Common Agricultural Policy.

The committee will be addressed by Professor Imelda Maher, the Sutherland Chair in European Law at UCD and Senior Counsel, Eugene Regan.

A referendum on Britain's membership of the EU has been promised by David Cameron if he is still in power in 2017, with the referendum set to take place following a period of renegotiation with the EU on the terms of the UK's membership.