Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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35. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his last meeting with the UK Prime Minister. [47951/21]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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36. To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on his latest engagement with the British Prime Minister. [50910/21]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.

I participated in the World Leaders Summit at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 1-2 November. I had an opportunity to engage briefly with Prime Minister Johnson during the summit, and we agreed to meet in the near future. I also attended a number of events hosted by him during the summit.

I spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Johnson on 20th July, in light of the cancellation of our meeting planned for the previous day, for COVID reasons. We discussed the Northern Ireland Protocol and I stressed the importance of utilising the EU-UK framework for issues related to the Protocol. We exchanged views on the Covid-19 situation, especially in regard to the Delta variant. I also raised legacy issues, including serious concerns at the British Government’s proposals and the impact they would have on victims and families.

Previously, I met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Chequers on Friday 14th May.

On that occasion, our discussions focused on ways our two Governments can continue to work together to support all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and promote peace and prosperity on both a North/South and East/West basis. We also discussed implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol and legacy issues.