Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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89. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the discussions at the informal European Council meeting in May 2019 on protecting citizens and freedoms in addition to immigration. [20562/19]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I attended an informal meeting of the European Council in Sibiu, Romania on 9 May 2019, Europe Day.

We had an open and constructive discussion about our priorities for the period ahead, in advance of the June European Council, where we will agree our next Strategic Agenda and we agreed the Sibiu Declaration, which outlines ten broad commitments that will guide our future work.

Ireland’s approach to the future of Europe is outlined in our National Statement, which was published on 17 April. This reflects the views expressed during our Citizens’ Dialogue which took place across the country over a six month period.

Our discussions in Sibiu were based on four broad headings: protecting citizens and freedoms; developing our economic base; building a greener, fairer and more inclusive future; and promoting Europe’s interests and values in the world.