Martin and Starmer discuss security and trade deals before Brexit reset summit
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has spoken to the British prime minister about a deal on trade and security with the EU that could be agreed as early as next week.
It is now hoped that a security pact between the EU and Britain will be signed at the first Brexit reset summit due to be held in London.
Special attention will also be given to access to waters for fisheries and energy cooperation at the meeting.
The European Council has said the summit will also examine sanitary and phytosanitary measures, internal security and criminal matters, emissions trading systems, as well as 'people-to-people contacts, including migration and youth mobility".
"Ireland anticipates a good outcome to that summit," Mr Martin said after the call with Keir Starmer, which lasted more than 20 minutes.
Both men also discussed the productive 'coalition of the willing' meeting on Saturday and agreed good progress had been made in support of Ukraine.
They agreed to continue working with international partners and put pressure on Putin to accept the ceasefire deal on the table without conditions.
Separately, the Government is opposing People Before Profit's Trade Union Recognition Bill, set for debate and vote on Wednesday, which will force companies to recognise and negotiate with workers who organise.
At the moment, a worker can join a union, but the boss has no obligation to even acknowledge it. This leaves workers vulnerable in the face of bullying, low pay, and unsafe conditions.
However, the Government has decided to oppose the bill for a number of reasons, including the constitutionality of it as it is considered that it would breach Article 40.6.1(iii).
"Other considerations we have reviewed in opposing this bill are the burden that it would put on the Labour Court and the WRC, the misinterpretation of the purpose of Employment Regulation Orders and sections which are already in effect in existing legislation," a Government spokesperson said.
Ireland's attractiveness as an investment location and the basis for much of our competitive advantage has been due to the stability and industrial peace provided by our voluntary model for social dialogue.
"The Government is committed to delivering an action plan this year which will provide strong support to unions and employers to ensure that they have the capacity to support worker rights and business transformation.
"It will be important to do this in a manner that is ambitious, balanced, legally sustainable, and cognisant of the views of the consultation that is currently underway."
Separately, the Government will table an 18-month timed amendment to the Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025 as it is at the early stages of considering the programme for government commitment to 'explore restrictions on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, including a ban on their sale to children".
"A body of work will need to be carried out to identify any public health concerns with regard to energy drink consumption in Ireland and to identify appropriate policy responses. It is too early at this stage to consider draft legislation as set out in this Private Member's Bill," a government spokesperson said.
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