Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

86. To ask the Taoiseach if he has written to all of the EU 27 prime ministers seeking support in the Brexit negotiations. [51997/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ongoing political engagement with our EU and international partners remains crucial as negotiations on Brexit proceed.

Throughout the process - both before and since negotiations began formally earlier this year - the Government and officials have maintained a programme of deep and regular engagement with our partners.

I meet and speak regularly with my EU counterparts, bilaterally, and at formal and informal meetings of the European Council, and I use every opportunity to advance Ireland's interests.

I also have had extensive contact with key figures in the European institutions, including the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council.

I have also spoken by phone and met with Prime Minister May on a number of occasions, including our most recent bilateral meeting in Gothenberg on 17 November, which took place there as we were both attending the EU Social Summit.

The support of all of our EU partners has been strong, consistent and essential in ensuring that the unique challenges we face on the island of Ireland as a result of the UK's withdrawal from the EU are addressed.