Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive together.

I spoke to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, by telephone on Wednesday, 24 November, when we discussed the Northern Ireland protocol. I also congratulated him on the successful hosting of COP26 in Glasgow. We briefly referenced the latest developments on Covid-19. I welcomed the continuation of the talks between the European Union and the United Kingdom on the implementation of the protocol. I said that it was essential that these lead to substantive progress and joint, tangible solutions within the framework of the protocol. I emphasised to him that it was vital for stability in Northern Ireland, for the British-Irish relationship and for the wider European Union-United Kingdom relationship that this would be resolved through agreed solutions. I repeated our view that any triggering of Article 16 would also have far-reaching implications for stability in Northern Ireland, for the British-Irish relationship and for the wider European Union-United Kingdom relationship. We agreed that co-operation between our two Governments is key to ensuring peace and stability in Northern Ireland, which is a priority for both Governments.

I subsequently wrote to the Prime Minister on 7 December to reiterate my deep concern about the British Government’s proposed approach to legacy, as well as to emphasise that any decision to proceed with United Kingdom legislation on this basis would have negative consequences for reconciliation, for victims and for political stability in Northern Ireland. In light of this, I urged that his Government would continue to engage with us and with the stakeholders in Northern Ireland to find a common way forward on these difficult matters. I also had an opportunity to engage briefly with the Prime Minister during the world leaders summit at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow, on 1 and 2 November.

The Government continues to give priority to engage with United Kingdom. Last year, more than 54 east-west meetings were held at ministerial or Secretary General level. This reflects the importance of our bilateral relationship, our ambition to strengthen our people-to-people and business-to-business ties and the need to address current challenges.

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