Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

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

I attended a special European Council meeting in Brussels on 17 and 18 April. On 17 April, we heard from the President of the European Parliament and from President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, the latter by video link. Over a working dinner, we discussed a range of international issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East and the EU's relations with Türkiye. On 18 April, we had a comprehensive discussion on Europe's competitiveness and the need to reinvigorate the Single Market.

On Ukraine, we reiterated our full and unwavering support for Ukraine, its people and its territorial sovereignty. We condemned Russia's continued attacks against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure, particularly the targeting of the energy sector. We discussed the current security situation, including the urgent need for air defence systems to protect Ukraine's cities and infrastructure and the need to accelerate the delivery of military, humanitarian and civil assistance. In my contribution, I pressed for accession negotiations with Ukraine to begin as soon as possible, ideally before the summer. This would send a strong message to Putin that Ukraine's future is within the European Union family.

On the Middle East, the European Council condemned Iran's attack on Israel, calling on Iran to completely cease all attacks. We urged all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid any escalation of conflict in the region. We also agreed to impose further sanctions on Iran. This work is being carried forward by the Foreign Affairs Council.

On Gaza, leaders reaffirmed our commitment to work with partners to end the crisis and to reach an immediate ceasefire, to secure the unconditional release of all hostages and to provide unhindered humanitarian aid. We reiterated our support for a two-state solution. In that context, I strongly set out Ireland's intention to recognise the state of Palestine.

As the House is aware, the situation in Lebanon remains very fragile. The European Council expressed its determination to support the most vulnerable in Lebanon and to assist in combating human trafficking and smuggling.

In our strategic debate on relations with Türkiye, we acknowledged that the EU has a strategic interest in maintaining a secure and stable environment in the eastern Mediterranean. We also emphasised the importance of progress on the Cyprus settlement talks within the United Nations framework.

On the second day of our meeting, the former Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, presented his recent report on the future of the Single Market. Ireland is among a large number of member states that are like-minded on the need to deepen and strengthen the Single Market, including for services, and to work constantly to improve our competitiveness, to advance and open an ambitious trade agenda, and to ensure fair competition and a level playing field for countries and enterprises. At our meeting, we agreed on the need to reinvigorate the Single Market as the key driver of European competitiveness and asked for a new horizontal Single Market strategy to be prepared by June 2025. This should contain concrete steps to improve conditions for investment and entrepreneurship in the decades ahead, as well as reducing red tape and removing barriers.

Driving forward the green and digital transformations, as well as meeting our increased security needs in coming years, will require significant investment. Mobilising private finance, including in partnership with public funding, will be essential. We, therefore, agreed on the need to deepen capital markets union in the EU. On agriculture, leaders acknowledged the importance of the sector and its key role in food security and the EU's strategic autonomy.

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