Micheál Martin
Ceist:27. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to or met Chancellor Merkel since Article 50 was triggered. [16715/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 11 April 2017
Ceisteanna (27)
Freagraí scríofa
My recent visit to Germany from 5 to 7 April included a bilateral meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel, as well as extensive engagement with key trade, tourism and investment partners. The visit began in Frankfurt on Thursday morning where I had a series of meetings with Irish state agency client companies based in Germany. I officially opened the offices of the Irish company, Collen Construction, before giving a keynote speech to an event attended by more than 150 business guests. In my remarks, I emphasised the links between Ireland and Germany and our support for further strengthening investment, trade and tourism between our two countries.
On Thursday afternoon, I travelled to Berlin where I had a very positive and constructive bilateral meeting with Chancellor Merkel in the Federal Chancellery. Our discussions included Brexit, the future direction of Europe, and EU-US relations. On Brexit, we discussed the draft EU negotiating guidelines which were circulated on 31 March, following PM May's official notification of the UK's intention to leave the EU, and which will be agreed by the European Council on 29 April. In relation to the negotiations ahead, I emphasised that nothing should undermine peace and stability in Northern Ireland and that it is, therefore, crucial that there is no return to a hard border. This is a political challenge and we will need to be creative and imaginative in finding solutions, while respecting our EU obligations. Chancellor Merkel noted the references to Ireland's specific concerns in the draft guidelines and offered her strong support in this context. The language in the draft guidelines and indeed in the notification letter from Prime Minister May is a positive outcome of the Government's intensive programme of strategic engagement with EU partners and the EU institutions over recent months.
Germany, like Ireland, has significant and complex trading links with the UK. We both agreed that these should be maintained with minimum disruption and that we should work together to protect jobs, growth and investment. In exchanging views on the negotiations ahead, we agreed that these should be approached in a calm and constructive manner, with the aim of achieving a close and positive future relationship between the EU and the UK.
More generally, on the future direction of Europe, I highlighted the importance we attach to maintaining EU27 unity, based on our core values, and the need for a balanced response to current challenges, with a focus on better delivery for our citizens, particularly in relation to jobs, growth and competitiveness.
On Friday, I took part in a round table event organised by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce, which included representatives of the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce, German businesses and trade organisations, and which facilitated a useful exchange about the impact of Brexit from the Irish and German business perspective. I also participated in a meeting with a group of German think-tanks active on European, foreign and economic policy issues. This provided an opportunity to share views and impart key messages on Ireland’s perspectives in relation to Brexit and the future direction of Europe. Later that day, I launched the Bord Bia Irish Beef Food Truck, and met with a major premium wholesaler which supplies Irish-sourced products.
In all my meetings, I highlighted and explained Ireland's particular concerns arising from Brexit in relation to our trade and economy; Northern Ireland and the Peace Process; the Common Travel Area; border and citizenship issues; and the future direction of the EU. I placed particular emphasis on our strong ongoing commitment to EU membership, and our intention to work constructively and calmly, as part of the EU team, towards a close and positive future relationship with the UK.
Questions Nos. 28 to 35, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 36 to 42, inclusive, answered orally.