Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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147. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the areas being prioritised in terms of EU policy over the next five years aside from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31193/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In June, the European Council adopted a new Strategic Agenda 2019-2024 to guide the work of the Union over the next five years. The Strategic Agenda focuses on four overarching priorities: protecting citizens and freedoms; developing a strong and vibrant economic base; building a climate-neutral, green, fair and social Europe; and promoting European interests on the global stage.

The new Strategic Agenda strongly reflects many of the key priorities identified in Ireland’s National Statement on the European Union which was approved by the Cabinet in April. The National Statement was Ireland’s contribution to the development of the new Strategic Agenda. It was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and was the subject of statements in Dáil Eireann just before the Easter recess.

The priorities set out in the National Statement include the completion of the Single Market, tackling climate change and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.  

The European Council will discuss the follow-up to the Strategic Agenda in October 2019.