Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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70. To ask the Taoiseach the issues that were discussed at the informal EU Council on 16 September 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26795/16]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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71. To ask the Taoiseach if he made any particular contribution at the informal EU Council on 16 September 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26796/16]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 71 together.

The Bratislava Summit on 16 September was part of the process of political reflection launched at the meeting of 27 Heads of State and Government, together with Presidents Tusk and Juncker, that took place on 29 June, after the European Council.

The objective of the Bratislava Summit was to hold a broad debate on the key challenges and key priorities for the Union. A Declaration was issued, along with a short work programme or ‘roadmap’ as set out by President Tusk, President Junker and the Slovak Presidency.

Discussions covered migration; internal security; external security and defence; and economic and social development, including youth. I acknowledged the strong concerns our partners have on migration and security, and assured them that Ireland will continue to contribute to the response to the migration crisis. I also said that we would engage in the further development of the Common Security and Defence Policy in support of international peace and security, as provided for in the EU Treaties.

I highlighted of course the priority that Ireland - and many other EU partners - attach to economic issues, in particular the Single Market and Digital Single Market; jobs, investment and trade and that we need a balanced approach to the debate about the future of Europe.

There was also a short discussion at the Summit around the question of ratification of the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

There was no discussion of the UK’s decision to leave the EU; other than a report from President Tusk of his meeting with Prime Minister May; and a reaffirmation of the agreed principles that there can be no negotiations before the UK triggers Article 50, and that access to the Single Market requires acceptance of all four freedoms. In my discussions with other leaders, however, I reminded them again of Ireland’s specific concerns on this issue, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland, North-South relations, the Common Travel Area and bilateral trade.

It was agreed at Bratislava that the process of reflection on the future of Europe should continue at the October and December European Councils. Another meeting of the 27 will take place in Malta in early 2017 before the process concludes in March to coincide with the 60^thanniversary of the Treaty of Rome.