Written answers

Tuesday, 27 June 2017

Department of An Taoiseach

European Council Meetings

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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29. To ask the Taoiseach the main issues he will be hoping to address at his next EU Council meeting in June 2017. [29054/17]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The European Council took place on 22 and 23 June. The agenda dealt with: security and defence; external relations; the Paris Agreement on Climate Change; jobs, growth and competitiveness; Digital Europe; and migration.

I spoke with most of the other leaders over the course of the two days. In my conversations, I reiterated my strong commitment to keeping Ireland at the heart of the Union, and I highlighted the unique difficulties the departure of the UK presents for Ireland. I was heartened to find broad sympathy for our situation and a commitment to work together to find workable solutions.

In my discussions with other leaders on the subject of security and defence, I offered Ireland’s continuing solidarity with Member States which have suffered from terrorist attacks, and our strong commitment to working closely with partners in combating the growing threat of terrorism.

On the external dimension of security and defence, the European Council was briefed on implementation of the EU Global Strategy, one year from its adoption. Ireland continues to work closely with our European partners in ensuring the full implementation of the Global Strategy, which underpins the Union’s contribution to international peace and stability.

On Brexit, Prime Minister May made a presentation, setting out some of her ideas around the issue of citizen’s rights. Later, meeting in its Article 50 format, the European Council heard an update from Michel Barnier on the negotiations with the UK which had commenced earlier that week. There was general agreement that these had got off to a positive start. I also updated my interlocutors on recent developments in Northern Ireland, and my meeting with Prime Minister May in London earlier that week.

On the broader agenda for the European Council, I expressed strong support for EU efforts in relation to jobs, growth and competitiveness, including the emphasis on free and open trade, and said that progress here could have real and positive impacts on the lives of our citizens.

I highlighted a letter to President Tusk calling for greater ambition in relation to the Digital Single Market that I co-signed with 16 other leaders, and I welcomed the focus of the incoming Estonian Presidency on digital issues.

The European Council also agreed to renew its commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. As I stated previously, I am determined that the Government should show new ambition on tackling climate change, and this will be the subject of a full day strategic meeting of the Cabinet.

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