Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together.

On 12 January I visited Belfast where I had constructive discussions with the leaders of the main political parties. The main focus of the meetings was on restoration of the democratic institutions in Northern Ireland and on the EU-UK negotiations on the protocol. I emphasised the Government's commitment to assist efforts at Executive formation, to get the Assembly functioning and to see the North-South Ministerial Council operating again. We also discussed concerns around the UK legacy Bill and the proposed new electronic travel authorisation, ETA, which is problematic for third country nationals resident here and for tourists. We also noted the forthcoming 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in April.

I concluded my trip with a useful meeting with the Northern Ireland Brexit business working group, which reiterated the value of consulting with the business community on any new approaches.

I had a substantive call with the British Prime Minister on Monday, 23 January where we discussed a range of issues, including restoration of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. We also discussed the ongoing EU-UK negotiations on the protocol and our shared wish to strengthen British-Irish relations. We both recognised the importance of the ongoing engagement between the EU and the UK on the protocol, and I welcomed the more constructive nature of the current discussions. I reiterated the need for a solution that avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland and protects the integrity of the Single Market. It is important that these talks can now take place in confidentiality with a view to reaching joint solutions on these issues. We also spoke about the positive co-operation between the EU, UK and the US in respect of the war in Ukraine and I took the opportunity to acknowledge the UK's leadership role in this regard.

During my call with the Prime Minister, I reiterated the Government's concern about the UK's legacy legislation and the impact of the proposed introduction of electronic travel authorisation on third country nationals travelling across the Border. The Prime Minister and I agreed to remain in ongoing contact.

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