Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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175. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to the new Prime Minister of New Zealand. [5839/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has excellent and warm bilateral relations with New Zealand, anchored in shared values, economic ties and close people to people links. This relationship was strengthened with the opening of embassies in Dublin and Wellington in 2018. We cooperate closely across government, on a broad range of topics.

As you will be aware, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins recently took office following the decision of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to step down. As Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, I look forward to working with Foreign Minister Mahuta to further strengthen the relationship with New Zealand.

Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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176. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he plans to have a bilateral meeting with his Dutch counterpart. [5840/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Wopke Hoekstra, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and I, both attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January.  

The Netherlands is traditionally an important ally for Ireland in the EU.  We are like-minded on most foreign policy and economic issues. This close relationship at the EU level has increased following the decision of the U.K. to leave the EU. The Netherlands is second only to Ireland in relation to the impact of the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. The Netherlands has consistently been a strong supporter of Ireland’s positions and concerns relating to the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and the Northern Ireland Protocol.

I look forward to having a bilateral meeting with my Dutch colleague at the earliest opportunity.