Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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27. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on meetings and discussions he had with his counterparts at the recent European Council meeting. [45007/18]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.

I attended a series of European Council meetings in Brussels on Wednesday 17 October, and Thursday, 18 October.

On the evening of 17 October, we met in Article 50 format to discuss the Brexit negotiations.

The meeting of the European Council proper on the morning of 18 October morning focused on the internal and external aspects of migration, and on internal security, including cyber-attacks, disinformation and terrorism.

We also discussed external relations, including climate change, and our broader relations with Africa.

This was followed by a Euro Summit, where we exchanged views on financial issues ahead of the December European Council.

I also had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister May on 17 October, and with the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, on 18 October.

In advance of the Article 50 meeting, Prime Minister May addressed EU leaders and outlined the UK perspective on the Brexit negotiations.

We then re-affirmed our full confidence in Michel Barnier, the Chief EU Negotiator, and urged him to continue his efforts to reach an agreement, in accordance with the guidelines previously agreed by the European Council. President Tusk expressed his readiness to convene a special summit in November if and when Mr. Barnier reports that decisive progress has been achieved.

At the Article 50 meeting and in my bilateral with Prime Minister May, I stressed the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement and the Northern Ireland Peace Process. I said that I hope the future relationship between the EU and the UK will be as close, comprehensive and ambitious as possible but that it is essential to ensure that a legally robust backstop - which must apply in all circumstances - is set out clearly in the Withdrawal Agreement.

In my bilateral meeting with President Tajani, and in my engagement with other EU counterparts, I expressed appreciation for their ongoing strong solidarity on this issue.