Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Tuesday, 27 November 2018

Questions (29, 31)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

29. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the Armistice centenary commemoration at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. [47846/18]

View answer

Joan Burton

Question:

31. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the French President, Mr. Emmanuel Macron during Armistice commemorations. [48230/18]

View answer

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 31 together.

I travelled to Paris where I was honoured to represent Ireland at the Armistice Day Commemorations on 11 November.

I am grateful to President Higgins for offering to delay his inauguration ceremony that day, to enable government and other representatives to attend commemoration ceremonies across Ireland, the U.K. and France.

Eighty-four Heads of State and Governments gathered at the Arc de Triomphe to remember those who lost their lives or were wounded in World War One. This solemn occasion served as a stark reminder of the tragedy of war, and the need to focus our efforts on working together at European and international level to ensure that history does not repeat itself.

President Macron hosted the event and I had the opportunity to speak with him upon arrival, and in the margins of the ceremonies.

I also had informal exchanges with other counterparts including several European and African leaders, as well as Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada, and the heads of international organisations.

Question No. 30 resubmitted.

Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 29.

Questions Nos. 32 to 35, inclusive, resubmitted.