Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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47. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with European Commissioner Vìra Jourová. [52964/22]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I had a short courtesy meeting with the European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, on 11 October, in Government Buildings.

Our discussion focussed on topical European issues.

We discussed Russia’s escalating war against Ukraine, and the resolute response of the European Union.

I expressed Ireland’s strong support for Ukraine and its people, highlighting the generous response of the Irish people, and our support for Ukraine’s application for membership of the EU.

We also touched on the impact of the war on energy supply and prices, and the coordinated EU response.

We discussed the EU as a community of values and of law, and how respect by all Member States of those values and laws is essential.

We also discussed some of the work that the Commission is undertaking to support democracy, media freedom, and to counter disinformation.

I reflected on the impact of EU membership of Ireland as we mark the 50^thanniversary of our decision to join.