Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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356. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the Foreign Minister of Germany and Foreign Minister of France regarding defence co-operation between EU member states. [38304/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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In recent months I have had discussions with my German and French counterparts in the framework of EU Foreign Affairs Councils and in direct bilateral meetings. The bilateral meetings have primarily focused on Brexit and its implications.

On 8 July I met the Foreign Minister of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Berlin, and on 1 December I met the Foreign Minister of France, Jean-Marc Ayrault, in Paris.

Where EU security and defence has been discussed, the focus has been on the EU Global Strategy. The Global Strategy, which the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini presented to the European Council in June 2016, commits the EU to promoting the objectives of peace, security, prosperity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law through a comprehensive approach using the range of instruments available to the European Union, including political, diplomatic, economic development, trade, peace-keeping and crisis management tools.

Ireland's approach to these issues is framed within the scope of the Treaties, and of the Lisbon Protocol which protects Ireland’s military neutrality.

Ireland supports the comprehensive approach to conflict prevention and resolution.

We will continue to work closely and constructively with other Member States to achieve the goals established in this area by Heads of State or Government at successive European Councils.