33. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the Spanish prime minister. [46897/26]

34. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. [46932/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.

I had a bilateral meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at Moncloa Palace, Madrid on 10 March 2026. My visit took place in the context of the Government’s preparations for undertaking the Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of the year.

The meeting was an opportunity to set out Ireland’s high-level priorities for our Presidency, and to hear from Prime Minister Sánchez on Spain’s priorities on the key EU files and issues that we will be seeking to advance during our six-month term.

Prime Minister Sánchez and I agreed that Ireland’s EU Presidency is coming at a critical time for the Union and that strong progress is needed across a range of files, including on competitiveness, security, and the EU’s next multiannual budget. I also set out our wish to prioritise EU enlargement during our term.

We also discussed global issues, including the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine.

We also reflected on the strong bilateral relationship between Ireland and Spain, agreeing to develop a Joint Action Plan to strengthen our relations.