Micheál Martin

Referendums are normally to delete something or add something to the Constitution. This isn't in the Constitution.

The abuse was evil, horrific and harmful to many people who have experienced enormous trauma.

We are not Switzerland and we should legislate on issues if that is our wish.

Working closely and cooperatively with the European Parliament is essential to delivering a successful Presidency.

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.

There has been an increased focus on European competitiveness at the European Council, and leaders will return to ongoing efforts to strengthen our competitiveness in what continues to be a challenging geo-economic context.

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.

a number of countries have been suspended in the past for doing so and that's the reality of it

the findings in relation to the dereliction of duty by An Garda Síochána and some failing in terms of the health board outlined in the report "demands a State apology".

The only sensible way to deal with the issue is strong co-operation between the Irish and British governments.

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

I intend to vote for this to go through to committee stage

I do not believe public representatives should give character references, particularly in cases that involve sexual exploitation or sexual abuse or anything of that nature.

their behaviour justifies sanctions at EU level as well, and that’s something that we will raise, whether we can get sufficient support across the European Union is a different matter

I very much look forward to visiting China and deepening the political, cultural, and economic connections between our two countries.

I will stress the importance of a strong EU-China relationship, as well as robust and effective multilateral institutions.