Dáil debates
Tuesday, 23 January 2018
Ceisteanna - Questions
European Council Meetings
4:25 pm
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
10. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the EU Council in December 2017. [54820/17]
Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
11. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the proceedings of the European Council meeting held in Brussels on 14 and 15 December 2017; and the bilateral meetings he had with Heads of Government on the margins of this meeting. [55056/17]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
12. To ask the Taoiseach if he has discussed phase 2 of Brexit negotiations with Mrs. Theresa May since 1 January 2018; and if members of his Department have attended sherpa meetings for the same period. [2008/18]
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
13. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the December 2017 EU Council meeting. [3090/18]
Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
14. To ask the Taoiseach if he has spoken to Chancellor Merkel recently about Brexit. [3056/18]
Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 to 14, inclusive, together.
As I outlined in my post-European Council statement to the House on Tuesday, 16 January, the December European Council met in four separate formats over the course of the two days, Thursday, 14 December, and Friday, 15 December.
The meeting on Thursday afternoon focused on social, educational and cultural co-operation, as well as security and defence. Later that evening, we met as part of the leaders’ agenda on the future of Europe with the focus this time on migration, although a number of other topics were also raised. On the Friday morning, the euro summit considered the future development of economic and monetary union, after which we met in Article 50 format to discuss progress in the Brexit negotiations.
We started on Thursday afternoon with an exchange of views with President Tajani of the European Parliament, before moving on to review progress relating to security and defence. In addition to a discussion on EU-NATO co-operation, the launch of permanent structured co-operation or PESCO was marked.
We also discussed social, educational and cultural co-operation. A number of interesting points were raised, such as including the social agenda as part of the European semester process - although a decision on this was not taken at the European Council. There was also a short discussion around climate change and the "One Planet Summit" in Paris.
Under the leaders' agenda that evening, there was a lengthy discussion on migration. The progress achieved on the external dimension was acknowledged. There was no final agreement on the internal dimension, where further discussion is needed to achieve an effective and sustainable policy, which respects the concepts of responsibility and solidarity.
A number of external relations items were also discussed including Russia and Ukraine, where there was agreement to a roll-over of sanctions, and Jerusalem, where we restated the EU position that our embassies should remain in Tel Aviv.
On Mercosur, given our concerns around the beef sector, both President Macron and I intervened to express our strong views regarding what should and should not be included in any deal.
The Friday morning euro summit took place with the outgoing President of the Eurogroup and the President of the European Central Rank in attendance. Both were positive about the economic situation but cautioned against complacency and urged further reform. We discussed a range of issues, including the completion of banking union, the proposal to develop a European monetary fund and a possible finance minister for the eurozone. I intervened to express my strong support for continuing our work on the banking union and the capital markets union but I also said that I was not convinced of the need for substantial institutional change at this stage.
Finally, the European Council met in its Article 50 format and formally took the decision that sufficient progress had been made in phase 1 of the Brexit negotiations, enabling us to advance to phase 2, during which transition arrangements and the framework for the UK's future relationship with the EU will be considered. There is much work yet to be done and close attention will have to be paid to ensure that all the commitments and principles agreed in the joint EU-UK report on citizens' rights, the financial settlement and the Irish-specific issues are given full legal effect in the withdrawal agreement. This will be our key focus in the coming weeks. I am pleased that the European Council also agreed to negotiate a transition period and to prioritise discussion of this in the first part of phase 2.
I had no scheduled bilateral meetings in the margins of the December European Council but, of course, I exchanged views with many of my EU counterparts, including Chancellor Merkel.
I have not discussed phase 2 of the Brexit negotiations with Prime Minister May in recent weeks and no meeting of the EU sherpas has been convened over that same period, although there is regular and ongoing communication at official level.
During our discussions at the European Council in Brussels, I again thanked my EU counterparts for their solidarity and support on Irish-specific issues. I also thanked the European Parliament, during my address in Strasbourg last week, for its understanding and support in the negotiations. I had an opportunity, too, to meet briefly with President Juncker and Mr. Michel Barnier.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
At the outset, I note we need a better format to discuss fundamental issues in Europe and the future of Europe than the 90 seconds we get to put a question and get a reply on a range of complicated issues. Several of us have raised this previously. The Taoiseach might give some consideration to that.
I have two questions. With regard to Brexit, work has now begun on phase 2. Other European countries have put forward their views on the transition period and the future relationship between the UK and the EU as regards freedom of movement and the type of access the UK might have to the Single Market. Did the Taoiseach put forward Ireland's position? Is the Taoiseach in favour of a special deal for Northern Ireland? Is he in favour of a special deal for the United Kingdom outside the existing templates or does he support what has been put forward as an EEA-type of arrangement such as with Norway or Canada, or Canada plus or, as one of the British negotiators mentioned, a Canada plus plus?
What objective did the Taoiseach set out for Ireland in that regard?
On the future of Europe, the Taoiseach did not state when asked about it before Christmas, the most recent time these matters were discussed in the House, that he was going to Budapest to meet the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán. Perhaps it was not on his schedule at that time. These are very important issues because the future of Europe, whether it is going to be based on a liberal view of Europe involving freedom and a balancing of powers between government and other institutions of state and a free judiciary and press or on something else, is a very important issue on which Ireland should have very clear views.
4:35 pm
Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The main focus of interest for this country in the summit regarded the Article 50 negotiations at which it was decided that sufficient progress had been made during the first phase of the Brexit negotiations and guidelines for the second phase were adopted. The Taoiseach informed the House last week that we will now move to phase 2, regarding transitional arrangements and the framework for the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union. Although it was difficult to get to the end of stage one, that would seem to have been the easier part. We have since noticed a difference of interpretation of the agreement reached between the European Union and the UK in December. There seem to be different interpretations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the European Union. It is important for that to be clarified. I note the Taoiseach has not been in contact with the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, since then. It is important to again reiterate what we mean by that agreement and that, as the Taoiseach said last week, there can be no backsliding. We need to put that point across very forcefully.
I tabled two questions on this issue and Deputy Donnelly asked me to also deal with his, so I ask the Ceann Comhairle to allow me a little more time.
I have tabled two questions and Deputy Donnelly asked me to deal with his issue, so I ask the Ceann Comhairle for a little more time.
Many issues were discussed at the European Council meeting and the Taoiseach has outlined some of them. One issue discussed was the future of Europe, as raised by Deputy Howlin. The Taoiseach added to his vision for Europe when he recently addressed the European Parliament. The French President, Emmanuel Macron, has put forward his own vision in that regard. It is clear that he favours increased centralisation, greater co-operation and more integration. The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, is finalising a new coalition between the two largest parties in Germany, which it seems will also result in calls for deepening integration. The Franco-German axis is very much to the fore, which could lead to more harmonisation, a new eurozone budget and fiscal policy and a single EU corporation tax rate. Against that, there has been a rise of illiberal tendencies in parts of the EU such as Poland and Hungary, while there has also been a rise in the far right in member states such as Austria. Where does Ireland stand on this debate? As the Taoiseach is aware, further integration could require treaty change and a referendum in Ireland. We need to be very clear on such matters. Does the Taoiseach think we have gone as far as we can in terms of further integration at this point in time?
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
On 15 December, the second day of the European Council, a young woman, 16-year-old Palestinian Ahed Tamimi - a child - saw her 14-year-old cousin, Mohammed, shot in the face at close range with a steel-coated rubber bullet, very badly injuring him. When Ahed, her mother and other members of her family confronted members of the Israeli Defence Forces, they were arrested and put in front of a military court. Ahed and her mother are now incarcerated and charged with assault, her 14-year-old cousin having been shot in the face. This occurred in the context of yet more illegal Israeli settlements on the West Bank, against which people in her village were protesting. I ask the Taoiseach to speak out about her case, ask our European colleagues to do the same and to immediately demand that the charges against her be dropped. We have leverage with Israel because it has special trade status with the European Union. For a minor such as young Ahed to be treated in such a manner against a background of continuing illegal Israeli settlements is absolutely disgraceful. I commend the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which will be protesting on this issue on Thursday outside the Oireachtas. I hope the Taoiseach will raise this issue with the Israeli Government and his European counterparts.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
During the statements in the House last week on the European Council, the Taoiseach acknowledged it is important to remain vigilant to ensure that commitments entered into in December's Brexit agreement are delivered in full. He warned against any backsliding in that regard by the British Government. What has he done to ensure that will not happen?
The head of Enterprise Ireland recently warned that many Irish companies are still unprepared for Brexit. Through what additional measures is the Government planning to assist companies this year?
A majority of Tory MPs are opposed to the transitional deal that Theresa May has brought forward. The President of the EU Council, Donald Tusk, has, understandably, warned the British Government that it needs to move quickly to set out its position on the future relationship between the UK and the EU. There is a complete lack of clarity about what kind of relationship Britain wants. Is the Taoiseach any clearer on what kind of relationship the British Government wants and will the negotiations on this commence at the end of this month as planned? The Taoiseach said he might meet the British Prime Minister while he is in Davos. Are there any plans in that regard?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
On Brexit, I wish to point out to the Taoiseach that several members of the Fianna Fáil Front Bench recently went to London, including Deputies Donnelly and Niall Collins on diaspora issues and Deputy Darragh O'Brien. I also recently met Vince Cable there. Having met British Government officials and politicians, suffice to say there is a very significant difference, as Deputy Haughey said, between how London and Dublin view the agreement. Those in London who met members of Fianna Fáil were at pains to stress that they see the agreement in terms of North-South areas of interaction as limited to the all-island economy and the Good Friday Agreement. It is very clear they have a narrower sense of what it means than do people in Ireland. A transition agreement is essential and the longer it remains in place, the better. This process is about kicking the can down the road, for as long as possible in some respects. Such sentiment is increasing across Europe.
As regards the future of Europe, President Macron seems to have deprioritised the Common Agricultural Policy from a French perspective. The French, along with Ireland, have historically been key to the maintenance and retention of the Common Agricultural Policy because it is so vital to our agriculture and food industries. Has the Taoiseach had any discussion with President Macron on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, given its importance to Ireland and, in particular, has he obtained the views of the President and the French perspective in that regard?
In the context of the Taoiseach's meeting with Viktor Orbán, has the Government been sufficiently robust in upholding European values such as separation of powers, freedom of the media and an independent judiciary in Hungary and Poland? Whether we like it or not, there is a growing sense that Europe is acquiescent by its silence and lack of proactivity in that regard.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Time has elapsed for Questions to the Taoiseach. Perhaps the Taoiseach will issue written responses to the Deputies as we must now proceed to Priority Questions to the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Perhaps, by agreement of the House, the Taoiseach could be afforded a couple of minutes to reply.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
If Deputies so wish.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I suggest we give the Taoiseach a few minutes to reply.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
If Members consume all of the allotted time to ask questions, none will remain for replies.
4:45 pm
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
More vigour from the Chair is obviously required.
Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I can try to be brief.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
All right.
Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Phase 2 of the Brexit talks is very much happening in the background and behind the scenes at the moment. It will be this way until the end of February or March. We negotiate as the European Union. We were successful in the outcome of the phase 1 talks because we stuck to the position of not negotiating bilaterally but negotiating as part of the EU 27. For that reason, and having assessed the last few months, I do not believe it would be wise for any EU Head of Government to differ publicly on the EU's negotiating position or to speculate too much. I can say that our objective is to ensure the guarantees in the UK-EU report agreed in December and to make sure they are made legally binding in the withdrawal agreements, which is essential over the next few weeks. We want a transition period to give businesses and individuals a chance to adjust to any permanent changes. It will be around two years or that is what is being considered.
On the future EU-UK relationship, of course we want free trade in goods and services to remain as it is now but not in a way that undermines the Single Market. We are very much open to the possibility or idea of unique arrangement for Northern Ireland, but only if it is needed. If the EU-UK relationship is close enough it may not be needed. That is there as a back-stop.
I did not inform the House of my meeting with Mr. Orbán because at that stage it had not been arranged. It was not confirmed until the middle of December. It is important to point out that Mr. Orbán is a democratically-elected Prime Minister of Hungary and we are aligned on a number of very important issues such as Brexit, a future close relationship with the UK and on tax. Hungary and Bulgaria, which I also visited, both have lower tax rates than Ireland. They can be important allies for Ireland when it comes to corporation profit tax. The two countries very much agree with free trade and free enterprise; they are not protectionist. We are, of course, not aligned on other issues. I raised the issues, for example, on the law on non-government organisations, NGOs, the restrictions on academic freedom and the issue of Hungary not accepting its fair share of refugees. I believe in engagement, however, even with prime ministers and presidents with whom one might not fully agree. I am delighted that Deputies Howlin and Micheál Martin, who raised this also believe in engagement, often with leaders with whom they might not fully agree. On 18 October when visiting the Communist Party of China on the occasion of its 19th congress, Deputy Howlin took the opportunity, on behalf of the Labour Party, to "extend fraternal greetings and best wishes to the leaders of the Communist Party of China." These are fraternal greetings to a Government that is not elected and around which perhaps there are some concerns regarding human rights and executions and so on. Deputy Martin, when he was the Minister for Foreign Affairs, had to engage on many occasions with people he did not necessarily agree with.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I am not criticising engagement-----
Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Answers to questions please.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
On a point of order, we were not criticising the Taoiseach on engagement.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
At least €5 million is being spent on this unit, one would have to do something.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I asked about the European Union's attitude to Poland and Hungary.
Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
That quote was Googled so I did not need much money for that.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
A sum of €5 million has been spent so it has to produce something.
Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
We are looking for answers to questions please.
Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
There were some very nice words spoken about al-Assad, but I will read them later.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Taoiseach has missed the point completely.