Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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261. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting in Paris with his French counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38824/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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During a two-day visit to France last week, I met the French Foreign Minister, Mr Jean-Marc Ayrault, over a working breakfast at the Quai d’Orsay on Thursday 1 December. The meeting was very cordial and underscored the strength and range of the many links between Ireland and France. Mr Ayrault made a particular point, both in the meeting and at the following press conference, of thanking Ireland for its solidarity in response to the terrorist attacks suffered by France over the past two years.

We discussed Brexit at some length, and agreed that while we both wished to ensure the closest possible relationship between the EU and the UK, our primary objective was the maintenance of the unity and integrity of the Union itself. We both looked forward to greater clarity from the UK side in regard to its negotiating objectives. I took the opportunity to underline once ago the particular challenges Ireland faces in relation to the Common Travel Area, Northern Ireland and North-South connections. Mr Ayrault made clear his understanding of the importance and sensitivity of these questions and his support for maintaining the many gains of the peace process.

We agreed that the European Union needs to re-connect with citizens through the effective implementation of concrete commitments already made, but also through more positive messaging.

We also discussed a number of international issues, including the possible implications of the recent election of US President-elect Trump; Ukraine and Russia; and Syria. Mr Ayrault briefed me on the French initiative on the Middle East Peace Process and his plans for a possible further meeting before the end of the year.

We also reviewed some issues concerning the United Nations.

I brought the Minister up to date on the work under way in regard to the implementation of the recent Dáil motion concerning the transfer to Ireland of some of the unaccompanied minors recently taken from the irregular encampment at Calais.