Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Wednesday, 13 July 2022

Questions (32, 34)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

32. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit and address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. [30838/22]

View answer

Neale Richmond

Question:

34. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent visit and address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. [32441/22]

View answer

Written answers

Taoiseach (Deputy Micheál Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 34 together.

I visited Strasbourg on the 7-8 June. I met with representatives of the Council of Europe to mark Ireland’s six-month Presidency of the body, and paid a visit to the European Court of Human Rights.

At the European Parliament, I unveiled a bust to honour the life and career of the late John Hume.

I had the honour to address the plenary session of the European Parliament on Wednesday 8 June, reflecting on the fifty years since Ireland voted to join what is now the European Union.

I had a welcome opportunity to thank President Metsola in person for the European Parliament’s support and solidarity throughout the Brexit process.

I availed of my visit to discuss EU/UK developments and the Protocol with European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič and David McAllister MEP, Chair of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee.

I also met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, and reaffirmed Ireland’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Question No. 34 answered with Question No. 32.

Question No. 33 resubmitted.