Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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197. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the impact of the EU-UK Summit on co-operation in the area of security, particularly for the islands of Ireland and Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26944/25]

John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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212. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the impact for Ireland of the recently agreed agreement between the European Union and Great Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27455/25]

Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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254. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on the outcome of the EU-UK Summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26914/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 197, 212 and 254 together.

I warmly welcome the EU-UK Summit which took place in London on 19 May. This Summit marks the beginning of an ambitious new phase of EU-UK cooperation, to the benefit of people and businesses across our continent and across the island of Ireland. I would like to acknowledge the work of European Commission and UK Government in preparing the summit.

It is welcome that both sides have reached agreement on a strategic partnership and a forward-looking agenda for cooperation targeted at improving opportunities for their citizens.

It is a balanced programme of cooperation that includes mutual commitments on people-to-people exchange, linkage of Emissions Trading Systems, certainty on fisheries arrangements and exploring opportunities in electricity-trading; and a commitment to addressing shared challenges.

It is also welcome that there the EU and UK have agreed a Security and Defence Partnership. It is crucial that we work together with the UK, as likeminded partner, in facing the global challenges we share. The EU–UK Security and Defence Partnership establishes a structured political framework for regular dialogue, strategic consultations, and potential joint initiatives.

The summit is a good outcome for Northern Ireland. It was very important that the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland be taken into account, and that has been done. A broad-based SPS agreement would bring significant benefits for Northern Ireland business and consumers, and for the efficient operation of the Windsor Framework. It will also be of significant benefit to Irish exporters, more generally.

The starting point for any durable EU-UK partnership into the future has to be the full, faithful and timely implementation of the UK’s existing agreements with the EU, including the Windsor Framework, to which both the UK and the EU have reaffirmed their commitment.