Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 July 2016

Wednesday, 20 July 2016

Ceisteanna (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

17. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Ms Theresa May. [22251/16]

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

18. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach his views on the main issues of concern he outlined to the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom following the Brexit referendum result and its implications for the relationship between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom and for the subsequent relationship with the European Union. [22252/16]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

19. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he has met or plans to meet with the new Prime Minister of Britain and the issues he will raise at any such meeting. [22494/16]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

20. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the new British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May. [22553/16]

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

21. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when he is scheduled to meet the new British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May; the contacts he has had with the new Prime Minister since her appointment; his plans to meet the new United Kingdom Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, Mr. David Davis; and if he has instructed any of his Ministers to make contact with the new Secretary of State. [22820/16]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 to 21, inclusive, together.

I spoke with the new British Prime Minister on the phone on 13 July.

I offered my congratulations and best wishes to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland following her appointment.

We discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including the importance of continuing to work together to build on the excellent relationship that now exists between Ireland and Britain, including our joint support of the peace process and the wider development of co-operation between our two countries.

We also discussed the important challenges that arise from the recent vote by the UK to leave the European Union. I outlined Ireland’s key areas of concern in respect of the economy, Northern Ireland and the Common Travel Area and shared my perspective on the challenges that lie ahead in the forthcoming negotiations. 

We agreed to stay in touch and that we would meet each other in the coming weeks.