Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I travelled to Belfast on the 12^thof January for a round of engagements with the leaders of the five main political parties, the focus of which were on the formation of the Executive and the EU-UK Protocol negotiations. Legacy and a number of other issues of concern, were also discussed.

I emphasised that it is a priority for this government to support the parties in Northern Ireland to form an Executive, so that all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement can resume their important work at this time of very significant political challenges.

I also met with the Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group, who represent a variety of different parties, including retail, manufacturing and agrifood, during my visit. The discussion focused on the implications of the Protocol and Brexit.