Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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259. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport which of his EU counterparts he has spoken formally with since his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34703/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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On 29 October, I participated in an informal Council of Transport Ministers. This meeting, originally scheduled to take place in Passau, Germany, was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda centred on digitalisation in the transport sector and the "Passau Declaration - the Smart Deal for Mobility", which was unanimously adopted by Ministers. This is an initiative of the German Presidency of the Council of the EU that promotes innovation, automation and smart connectivity, shared European data spaces, and the increased digitalisation in mobility. The initiative is very much in line with the European Green Deal and the need for the recovery across European societies to be both green and digital.

The next Transport Council, which will also take place by video-conference, is scheduled for 8 December 2020.

Given the constraints on physical Council meetings, the pandemic has of course impeded on the ability of Ministers to meet bilaterally on issues on a regular basis. However, given my dual role as Minister for Transport and Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, and the synergies that exist between these two portfolios, since my appointment I have had regular enagement with my counterparts in Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Sweden, and Finland, covering such topics as transport, energy, and climate action. In addition, I intend to hold a courtesy call with the German Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Mr Andreas Scheuer, in the coming weeks on the topic of the German Presidency.

Today, I will speak to EU Commissioner for Transport, Adina Valean, to discuss Brexit readiness. 

As noted in the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to placing Ireland at the heart of Europe. Membership of the European Union has been transformative for Ireland and its people, and my Government colleagues and I believe that Ireland's interests are best served by active and engaged membership. In this regard, I will continue to forge alliances with my counterparts in other EU Member States with which we share common goals and interests.