Any reform of the triple lock does not involve any erosion or undermining of Irish neutrality. We are not joining any military bloc. We have no intention of or any interest in participating in any wars or conflicts.

It is very clear that quite a number of member states are anxious to improve somewhat on the draft budgets proposals around agriculture.

It will be very challenging because there are a lot of competing demands.

But clearly the two fundamental pillars of previous budgets, CAP and cohesion funding, are still very much on the mind of many member states.

A lot the 'own resources' [ideas] will be challenging, it seems to me.

I understand fully that it must be awful to be waiting so long for answers.

The Government will not tolerate any variation to the contracts that people have signed up to.

I look forward to our strategic discussion on the EU’s global economic and trade relations, including with China.

We will also take stock of the implementation of the 'One Europe, One Market' Roadmap.

During our presidency term, we will work to make decisive progress across its five strategic building blocks: Promoting simplification; deepening the single market; championing fair and open trade; reducing energy prices while…

I want to acknowledge the significant role Keir played in resetting the Irish-British relationship as well as relations between the UK and the European Union during his time as Prime Minister.

That's again something that the international community needs to take on board and we will be pursuing that with others.