Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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44. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the recent engagement he has had with the UK Secretary of State regarding the defence memorandum of understanding between Ireland and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23958/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I held an introductory telephone conversation with the current UK Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, MP in July of last year where areas of mutual interest covered by the UK-IRL Memorandum of Understanding on aspects of defence cooperation were the main focus of our discussion.

We both recognise the value of the work undertaken to-date under the agreement, share a desire to continue the development of the relationship post-Brexit, and have an appreciation for the value of collaboration in security and defence for Ireland, the UK and Europe.

During this conversation, the Secretary of State and I undertook to arrange a future meeting in Capitals. An in-person meeting was planned to take place in April of this year in London, however it was regretfully cancelled at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances. It is hoped to reschedule this meeting when circumstances permit.