Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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804. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Minister of State in his Department has engaged in any meetings with representatives of foreign governments, organisations or state bodies involved in the defence sector or in relation to defence policy since 31 January 2021; if so, the details of such meetings; and if the Minister of State represented the Department of Defence at any of these meetings. [15032/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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During February, I met with the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Mr. Jack Chambers, T.D., on two occasions where we discussed defence policy priorities.

I am also aware that on the 12th February, the Minister of State met with the recently appointed UK Ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Paul Johnston.  Meetings with Ministers and Ministers of State are usually held by newly appointed ambassadors to introduce themselves and familiarise themselves with current issues.

The main issue of discussion at the meeting on 12th February was Ireland's parliamentary process and Minister of State Chamber's role as Government Chief Whip.  Issues relating to his role as Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Sport were also discussed at this meeting. In relation to Defence, the future role of the UK in EU Security and Defence matters, the Irish/UK Memorandum of Understanding in relation to Defence Cooperation and the ongoing work of the Commission on the Defence Forces were referenced.  MoS Chambers was accompanied at this meeting by a senior official from my Department.