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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together.

On 5 October, I met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the margins of the European Political Community summit in Granada in Spain. We discussed developments in Northern Ireland and the importance of the Irish bilateral relationship, as well as broader global challenges. The Prime Minister updated me on the UK Government's engagement with the Democratic Unionist Party, DUP, regarding the restoration of power-sharing institutions. I acknowledged the Prime Minister's personal efforts in securing the Windsor Framework earlier this year. I underlined the importance of the two Governments working together in a spirit of partnership in all scenarios.

The Government's focus remains on getting the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive back up and running so that the three strands of the agreement, including the North-South Ministerial Council, can function fully. I also reiterated the Government's concerns about the UK's recently enacted legacy Act.

Prime Minister Sunak and I welcomed the joint UK and Ireland bid to host Euro 2028 and discussed the necessary redevelopment of Casement Park. It is fantastic news that the bid has been successful, and I confirmed to the Prime Minister that the Government is ready to contribute financially towards the redevelopment costs in order that Northern Ireland is able to host matches at Casement Park and to benefit directly from the tournament.

We discussed the significance of our bilateral trade, which is valued at €120 billion a year, and welcomed our recent bilateral memorandum of understanding on energy. I also welcomed the agreement reached for the UK to access EU research partnerships under the Horizon programme, which will have benefits for Ireland as well.

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