16. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the president of Poland. [36706/24]

I met the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, in Rzeszów on Thursday 5 September following my visit to Kyiv. We discussed bilateral relations between Ireland and Poland, as well as current EU and international issues.

Prime Minister Tusk and I also discussed various current issues on the European Union’s agenda including the nomination of the new Commission, the forthcoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of next year and improving Europe’s competitiveness and deepening the single market.

Much of our discussion focussed on the current situation on the ground in Ukraine, and what more the EU can do to support the Government and people of Ukraine. We also spoke about developments in the wider region including Belarus, which borders Poland, and Moldova.

On the Middle East I stressed to Prime Minister Tusk the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an increase in humanitarian support and progressing work towards a just and lasting peace based on a two-State solution.

Ireland and Poland work closely together through the United Nations and I expressed my appreciation for the joint work of the Irish/Polish contingent working in Lebanon.