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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, together.

My visit to Finland and Estonia on Friday, 8 April, included meetings in Helsinki with the President Sauli Niinistö and the Prime Minister Sanna Marin and in Tallinn with the Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.

Our discussions focused mainly on the impact of the war in Ukraine, including on security and defence, energy policy, and the continuing humanitarian crisis. Because of their history and location, Finland and Estonia offer significant insight on Russia's military aggression, which EU leaders have condemned since the start of the war as immoral and unjustifiable. I made clear that while Ireland is a militarily neutral country, we are not politically neutral in the face of war crimes.

I also discussed EU neighbourhood policy with President Niinistö and other current European Council issues with both Prime Ministers, including climate change, digital transformation, and the EU's relations with the UK. I thanked both Prime ministers for the support and solidarity from Finland and Estonia throughout the Brexit process, and briefed them on the political situation in Northern Ireland.

While in Tallinn, I also visited the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, which plays an important role in enhancing Europe's capacity to deal with cyber threats, and the e-Estonia Briefing Centre, which focuses on e-health.

Ireland and Finland mark 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. Last year marked 30 years of diplomatic relations with Estonia.

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