Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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77. To ask the Taoiseach if he had any other bilaterals or meetings when in Berlin on 12 July 2016. [27020/16]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I met with Chancellor Merkel in Berlin on 12 July. Our discussion focused on the outcome of the UK referendum and its implications for Ireland, Germany and the European Union more generally.

I took the opportunity to explain our particular concerns in relation to the UK decision to her, including in relation to Northern Ireland; North-South relations, border and citizenship issues; the Common Travel Area; and the interconnectedness of our economies. I was pleased to find her sympathetic to those concerns and to have her assurances that we share the objective of constructive negotiations towards a close and harmonious future relationship between the EU and the UK.

The schedule for my visit was tight and there was no opportunity for any additional meetings. I arrived in Berlin close to lunchtime and met with Chancellor Merkel at the Chancellery over lunch. We held a joint press conference at the Chancellery after which I departed directly for Dublin.