Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together.

The Cabinet Committee on EU Affairs last met on Wednesday 8 March, the day before the European Council meeting in Brussels. The date of the next meeting of the Cabinet committee has not yet been confirmed.

I attended the Rome Summit on 25 March, as well as an audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican the previous evening. On the morning of 25 March, the 27 EU Heads of State and Government met without the UK in the room where the Treaty of Rome had been signed in 1957. The event included speeches by the Italian hosts, the Maltese EU Presidency, and the presidents of the three EU Institutions. There were no interventions from other Heads of State or Government. We agreed to adopt and then formally signed the "Rome Declaration". This short document highlights the important achievements of the EU over the past 60 years, the continuing importance of our shared values, and our commitment to addressing our future in a united and coherent way.

In discussions leading up to the event in Rome, and during informal conversations in the margins, I stressed that the EU, founded on the rule of law, democracy and human rights, has delivered peace and prosperity across the continent, and that this is best preserved and promoted through the Union.

I am pleased that, despite some differences, there was a strong sense of unity among EU leaders in Rome. I also highlighted the need to focus on our core values, and to co-operate in areas where we agree, and where Europe can add value such as completing the Single Market and supporting jobs through trade. 

I had no scheduled bilateral meetings in Rome. However, I used the opportunity of the summit to engage with my EU counterparts and to reiterate Ireland's concerns arising from Brexit, specifically around Northern Ireland and the peace process, the common travel area, and our interwoven economies. The UK triggered Article 50 on Wednesday 29 March. Draft negotiating guidelines have since been circulated to member states, and I am pleased that these reflect Ireland's particular concerns, as, indeed, did Prime Minister May's letter to the European Council. The draft guidelines will be further discussed at senior official and ministerial level over the next few weeks, with a view to agreeing them at a meeting of the European Council on 29 April. We will continue our process of intensive engagement with member states and EU institutions during this period.

I have not met bilaterally with Chancellor Merkel since Article 50 was triggered. However, I will travel to Germany later this week, and am due to have a bilateral meeting with the Chancellor in Berlin on Thursday.

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