Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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77. To ask the Taoiseach if he has spoken with Prime Minister Johnson recently; and if so, the issues discussed. [36953/19]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I held a positive and constructive meeting with Prime Minister Johnson in Government Buildings on Monday 9 September. Discussions focused largely on the UK’s departure from the EU, recognising of course, that negotiations take place through the Brussels Task Force. We agreed that we both want to see an agreement between the European Union and the UK. While discussions were at an early stage, common ground was established in some areas although significant gaps remain.

We also discussed Northern Ireland and our shared commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and the restoration of the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland and we looked forward to meeting again in the near future.

I have also spoken twice by phone with the Prime Minister when we discussed the ongoing political talks in Northern Ireland and Brexit.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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78. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the US Vice President, Mr. Pence, and the issues discussed. [36954/19]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I met the Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence, on Tuesday 3 September. The Vice President was on an official visit to Ireland, marking the latest in a series of high-level visits by representatives of the US Government this year, including President Trump and Speaker Pelosi.

I was pleased to host the Vice President, the Second Lady and other family members for a lunch, which was largely social in nature.

The Vice President and I, accompanied by officials, then held a bilateral meeting at which we discussed several issues of mutual interest including US-Ireland bilateral relations, including economic relations; Brexit, including its potential impacts on this island; developments relating to Northern Ireland; and immigration issues. We also discussed international trade, including the prospect for an EU-US trade agreement.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Taoiseach if he has met or spoken with Ms Arlene Foster recently; and if so, the issues discussed. [36955/19]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I met DUP Leader Arlene Foster when we both attended the funeral of Ms Lyra McKee in Belfast in April. I also met with her in Washington in March during my visit for St Patricks Day.

I expect to meet her again soon.

The Government is in ongoing contact with the Northern Ireland parties, both through the work undertaken by the Tánaiste to progress the restoration of the NI institutions and also at official level.