“I welcome the outcome of today’s EU-UK Summit in London and congratulate Prime Minister Starmer, European Commission President von der Leyen and European Council President Costa on concluding agreements and setting out an ambitious agenda for strengthening the partnership between the EU and the UK.

“Over five years on from when the UK officially left the EU, today’s summit is a landmark moment and delivers on the shared commitment to reset relations between the EU and the UK.

“The UK is an important like-minded partner for the EU, and for Ireland, sharing our values and commitment to multilateralism and the international rules-based system. It is essential that we work in partnership to address global challenges. I therefore welcome the conclusion of the defence and security partnership between the EU and the UK at today’s summit.

“Building on the Windsor Framework, the agreements reached at today’s summit mark a new beginning in a positive and cooperative relationship between the EU and the UK, which is essential for the pursuit of many areas of Ireland’s national interest and is an important factor for stability in Northern Ireland.

“This is reflected in the common understanding agreed between the EU and the UK which sets out a positive agenda of work in many areas of interest to Ireland, including in the areas of fisheries, food standards, energy and people-to-people connections which will be mutually beneficial, offering enhanced opportunities for trade and investment, contributing to growth and prosperity.

“I welcome the commitment to negotiating an SPS Agreement that will see ongoing alignment between the EU and UK on food standards. This will be of great benefit to Ireland’s food and drink exporters, for which the UK remains a very important market.

“Today’s agreement also provides certainty to Ireland’s fishermen and women with the extension of reciprocal access for EU and UK vessels to fish in each other’s waters for another 12 years, enabling them to make long-term and sustainable decisions.

“The intention to reach agreements in the area of energy beyond the current EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement is also welcomed, including access to electricity markets and linking our Emission Trading Systems. This will lead to better outcomes for consumers and contribute significantly to realising EU and UK’s shared commitment to the green transition.

“Overall, a closer working relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom is good for Ireland, and for everyone.”