Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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126. To ask the Taoiseach the issues raised in his recent meeting with the German Chancellor. [11663/22]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I visited Berlin for a one-day programme of events on 22 February.

I met with German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz. We discussed the extremely concerning situation in Ukraine which has deteriorated significantly since our meeting. Ireland stands with our EU partners in making clear that there can be no compromise on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The invasion by Russia of Ukraine and its attack on its people, is an outrageous and immoral breach of the most fundamental and basic principles of international law.

The Chancellor and I discussed bilateral relations between our two countries. Ireland and Germany are old and close friends, and relations between us are growing stronger all the time.

The Chancellor and I also discussed a number of issues on the European Council’s agenda, including economic recovery and investment. Our Governments share a high level of ambition on climate action, and we both support the EU’s climate goals for 2030 and beyond.

I also took the opportunity to brief Chancellor Scholz on the difficult political situation in Northern Ireland, and the importance of ensuring a period of calm ahead of the Assembly elections in May.