Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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40. To ask the Taoiseach to report on his discussions with the new Canadian Prime Minister. [30341/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland enjoys a deep and strong relationship with Canada, a country with which we share many values and are very often of like-mind. Increasingly that relationship has an economic focus.

I offered Prime Minister Carney my congratulations on his election victory and said that I looked forward to cooperating with him and with his new Government in the period ahead.

I have not had the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister in person since he took up his new role but I look forward to doing so at an early date.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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65. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the President of the European Commission in Brussels. [26978/25]

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.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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70. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his call with Prime Minister Starmer on 13 May 2025. [26979/25]

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

The Prime Minister and I 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 Prime Minister and I agreed that finding an agreed approach on legacy remained challenging for both Governments, and for all stakeholders, but if achievable, would be 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 Prime Minister and I also discussed the ongoing political situation in Ukraine, including the Coalition of the Willing meeting that had taken place in London the previous Saturday.