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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 to 22, inclusive, together.

I attended an informal leaders’ retreat on 3 February hosted by the President of the European Council, António Costa, in Brussels. The main focus of our discussions was European security and defence. The meeting was an important opportunity for leaders to offer strategic guidance ahead of the publication of a White Paper on the topic by the European Commission, which I think happened earlier today.

Issues discussed included how best to mitigate some of the threats and challenges the EU collectively faces, and the capabilities needed to address these challenges. We discussed how new priorities within the security and defence area can be financed. Leaders also considered how to strengthen our strategic partnerships. We are in an individually tailored partner with NATO, for example, on cybersecurity and maritime security. The United Kingdom Prime Minister addressed the meeting's dinner event with respect to the broader security issues that are now facing Europe and the Secretary General of NATO addressed a lunch meeting and gave his organisation's perspective.

As I said, Prime Minister Starmer also joined us for part of the discussions. That was the first time a UK Prime Minister has met with the European Council since Brexit. The UK is an important partner for the European Union, and there are issues we can collaborate. Economically, from an Irish perspective, it is also good to see a more harmonious relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Ireland is and will remain militarily neutral, and that is well understood and respected by our fellow European Union states. Our policy of military neutrality, however, does not remove us from the new types of security threats, nor compromise us helping to create a more secure European Union as we continue to invest and modernise our own Defence Forces.

Continuing support for Ukraine, as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s brutal, illegal and amoral invasion, was also an important aspect of our discussions. In this context, European Union-US relations were also discussed. At a time of heightened tensions around the world, we need a strong transatlantic relationship. Leaders emphasised the need to continue engaging with President Trump and his administration. Following the meeting, I had a short bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Starmer at which we discussed European Union-UK relations and British-Irish relations ahead of our summit.

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