Wednesday, 8 Nov 2017

Written Answers Nos. 1-47

Taoiseach's Communications

Ceisteanna (14, 16)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

14. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach the details of his recent phone call with the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May. [45034/17]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

16. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent discussions with Prime Minister Theresa May. [45035/17]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 16 together.

I had phone calls with the UK Prime Minister Theresa May on October 16 and on November 1.

In our conversation on October 16, we discussed the latest developments in Northern Ireland at that time and urged a rapid resumption of talks, with a view to restoration of the Northern Ireland institutions urgently in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland. We also discussed Brexit, including the unique circumstances regarding the border, and preparations for the upcoming meeting of the European Council in Brussels on 19 and 20 October.

In our call on 16 October we also spoke about the damage from storm Ophelia and the Bombardier case.

Prime Minister May and I spoke by phone again on November 1 to review progress made by the political parties in Northern Ireland since our previous phone conversation, including in light of the statement to the House of Commons by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire the previous day.

We agreed that it is still possible to form an Executive which would be in the interests of all the people of Northern Ireland. I underlined that there could be no return to direct rule as it existed prior to the Good Friday Agreement and that the various provisions of the Agreement would have to be honoured.

The Prime Minister was clear that she did not want to see a return to a direct rule and that moves to implement a Budget for Northern Ireland should not be seen as a first step on the road to direct rule.

We agreed that there is still time to reach an agreement and that the parties should continue to work to this end, with the support of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney and the Northern Secretary James Brokenshire.

The Prime Minister and I agreed to stay in close contact on the matter over the coming period.

Question No. 15 resubmitted.

Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 14.

Questions Nos. 17 to 21, inclusive, resubmitted.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (22)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

22. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his most recent discussions with President Macron of France and his proposals regarding further European integration. [44691/17]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

My meeting with President Macron in Paris covered bilateral relations, the Brexit negotiations, and the future of Europe.

We noted the extensive trading relationship between us and agreed that this provides a solid platform on which to build into the future, especially as Ireland looks to grow and diversify markets in the context of Brexit.

We also discussed our co-operation in other areas, including the EU Training Mission in Mali, and our joint commitment to the planned Celtic Interconnector that will link our electricity networks.

On Brexit, we welcomed the progress achieved to date in the negotiations and agreed that further work is required on the three withdrawal issues - citizens' rights, financial settlement and Irish/Northern Irish issues - before the European Council can agree that sufficient progress has been made in order to move onto phase two. I thanked the President for his continuing understanding and support on Irish-specific issues.

On other EU issues, we agreed on the importance of supporting agriculture and protecting our vital interests in the ongoing Mercosur negotiations.

We also agreed on the enormous potential of the digital economy. I outlined my view that the best way to achieve a successful outcome in the taxation area is to support the work underway at the OECD.

I acknowledged the renewed energy that President Macron has brought to the debate on the future of Europe, and its further integration, and I outlined my view that we need to focus on where Europe can have concrete and positive impacts on the lives of our citizens.

We also discussed our respective plans to bring the debate on Europe to the public, through the citizens’ dialogue, and other mechanisms.

Questions Nos. 23 to 37, inclusive, resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 38 to 47, inclusive, answered orally.