Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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85. To ask the Taoiseach for an update in relation to his attendance at the Munich Security Conference. [25260/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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My attendance at the Munich Security Conference provided an important opportunity to discuss our many shared challenges and to set out our perspective on how best to manage them. I attended events with world leaders at the conference and had a number of bilateral meetings including with Maia Sandu, President of Moldova and Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Ireland is, and will remain militarily neutral, and that is well understood and respected. But this does not remove us from the discussion on how to confront the security risks faced by us all and how we keep ourselves safe, especially from new cyber and hybrid threats. Our position as a militarily neutral country and our long tradition of peacekeeping gives us a particular perspective. I reiterated Ireland’s long-standing support for a robust rules-based international order, and our unambiguous commitment to international law and fundamental human rights.

I also engaged with other leaders to discuss the most pressing challenges to global security, not least Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.

I re-stated our support for Ukraine and our strong commitment to helping them achieve a just and sustainable peace based on the principles of the UN Charter.

On the situation in Gaza, I also discussed with partners the need to sustain the ceasefire and hostage release agreement and to massively scale up unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. I also discussed the prospects for a lasting peace settlement, based on a two-state solution, and the need to work with partners in the region.

During my attendance at the Conference, I also met on the margins with executives from Google and the Schwartz group, owners of Lidl. We discussed their presence in Ireland, there future investment plans and the regulatory environment.

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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86. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Brussels. [25491/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I met with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Brussels on 8 May.

We discussed a range of EU and international issues and I briefed President von der Leyen on the priorities of the Irish government.

Our discussion included a focus on economic competitiveness and trade issues, and I expressed support for the measured approach the European Commission has taken in response to the imposition of tariffs by the US. I advocated for a negotiated solution that would bring benefits to firms in both the EU and US, and that recognises the closely integrated nature of global supply chains.

I also highlighted the need for an ambitious strategy for the single market, reducing red tape and administrative burdens, and making progress on the Savings and Investment Union.

I raised issues facing the agricultural sector, and that a vibrant sector is essential for our food security, the rural economy, and to meeting our environmental and biodiversity objectives. I stressed the importance of a strong and well-funded Common Agricultural Policy in the post-2027 EU Budget.

In our discussion of international issues I reiterated Ireland’s unwavering support for Ukraine. I also raised the deeply concerning humanitarian situation in Gaza, the unjustified blockade of humanitarian assistance, and the need for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement to examine compliance with human rights.

Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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88. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his call with Prime Minister Starmer on 13 May 2025. [25667/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach spoke by phone with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer on 13^th May.

The Taoiseach and Prime Minister reflected on the constructive bilateral discussions held between the Tánaiste, Minister O’Callaghan and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in April on legacy issues relating to the Troubles. The Taoiseach and Prime Minister agreed that finding an agreed approach on legacy remained challenging for both Governments, and for all stakeholders, but if achievable, would be a very significant.

The Prime Minister also gave an update on his Government’s then ongoing discussions with the European Union, ahead of the first UK-EU summit which subsequently took place on 19 May. The Taoiseach and Prime Minister also discussed the ongoing political situation in Ukraine, including the Coalition of the Willing meeting that had taken place in London the previous Saturday.