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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 to 27, inclusive, together.

First, as Taoiseach I want to put on record my sincere condolences on behalf of the Government of Ireland to the British people on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Il. I have met Prime Minister Liz Truss MP on two occasions since her appointment on 6 September. We also spoke by phone. I had a good call with the Prime Minister on 9 September. During that call, I offered my sincere condolences to her and to the British people on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Il and paid tribute to the Queen's contribution to reconciliation and good relations on these islands. I also congratulated the Prime Minister on her new role and we agreed to keep in close contact in the period that followed.

On Tuesday, 13 September, the Prime Minister and I attended the service of reflection on the life of Queen Elizabeth II at St. Anne's Cathedral in Belfast, where we spoke briefly. Given the solemnity of that occasion, we did not have a political discussion. At the Prime Minister's invitation, I met her at No. 10 Downing Street on the morning of Sunday, 18 September, on the eve of the state funeral for her majesty. I can inform the House that the Prime Minister indicated that she was keen to have a positive British-Irish relationship. As near neighbours, we discussed a number of common and important issues, namely, energy, the cost of living, the situation in Northern Ireland and the protocol. We agreed that an opportunity existed for the EU and the UK to find a negotiated outcome to issues around the Northern Ireland protocol.

I attended the British-Irish Association conference in Oxford on 2 and 3 September. During that time, I addressed the association, which was a special honour, given that it was its 50th anniversary. I also took part in a questions and answers session with those attending. In my address, I focused on the importance of the spirit of partnership that was needed to underpin the Good Friday Agreement as we approach the 25th anniversary, having witnessed the benefits of peace, strengthened relationships and growing prosperity.

While in Oxford, I also met with the Vice President of the European Commission, Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, where we had a good discussion on issues surrounding the Northern Ireland protocol.

I continue to believe it is possible to reach a satisfactory outcome on the protocol through a process of negotiations. I welcome recent signals and commentary that the United Kingdom Government would prefer a negotiated resolution of the issues. I hope that serious discussions can now get under way between the European Commission and the United Kingdom Government to address the practical difficulties associated with the implementation of the protocol.

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