Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2019

Wednesday, 10 July 2019

Ceisteanna (25, 26, 27)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

25. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to Prime Minister May regarding the progress in the Northern Ireland talks recently. [26857/19]

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

26. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken in June 2019 to Prime Minister May regarding progress in the Northern Ireland talks. [27637/19]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

27. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the British Prime Minister, Mrs. Theresa May recently. [28084/19]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 to 27, inclusive, together.

I saw Prime Minister May most recently at the Special meeting of the European Council on 30 of June, 1 July and 2 July. I also saw her at the European Council meeting in Brussels on 20 and 21 June. I did not have any formal bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister during these meetings.

However, I spoke by phone with the Prime Minister on 19 June when we discussed the ongoing political talks in Northern Ireland and Brexit. We agreed that talks were at a pivotal stage and we agreed to push for a resolution before the summer break. The Tánaiste is heavily engaged in the Northern Ireland talks and keeps me fully informed of developments.

The Prime Minister also updated me on the current situation in Westminster regarding Brexit and noted that significant numbers in Parliament still want to avoid a "no deal" outcome.