Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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63. To ask the Taoiseach if he has spoken directly with the Australian or New Zealand Prime Ministers since his appointment. [19933/20]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I spoke with Prime Minister Morrison by telephone on the evening of 29 July, when he offered me congratulations on my appointment as Taoiseach.

In our call we discussed the challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic, and the steps we were both taking to deal with its health, social and economic consequences. We agreed the importance of cooperation in the international community to contain and eradicate the virus, and to ensure the equitable distribution of future vaccines.

We also spoke about progress in the negotiations for an EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement, and the importance of multilateralism as the basis for peace, security, trade and development.

In addition, Prime Minister Morrison offered his congratulations for Ireland’s successful campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council.

We noted the strong bilateral relationship between our two countries, and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Australia in 2021.

I have not spoken to Prime Minister Ardern since my appointment.