Taoiseach welcomes von der Leyen to Cork ahead of talks

Taoiseach Mícheál Martin has officially welcomed European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to his home city of Cork.

Ms von der Leyen landed there earlier today as part of a visit the European Commission traditionally takes to each country at the start of its EU presidency.

She was greeted by Mr Martin and Lord Mayor of Cork Damian Boylan at City Hall, where she was presented with a vase etched with the slogan for Ireland's presidency – "Ní neart go cur le chéile – Strength with unity".

Ireland took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union yesterday, with a ceremony at Dublin Castle attended by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

The College of Commissioners has also arrived at UCC for key meetings at the start of Ireland's hosting of the presidency.

The 27 EU Commissioners, including Ireland's Michael McGrath, were greeted by members of the Cabinet and Ministers of State before lining up for a group photograph.

Commissioners will meet Government ministers for key meetings tomorrow while the Ms von der Leyen will meet both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.

Mr Martin and Ms von der Leyen will also chair a plenary session.

The arrival of such a large number of dignitaries means there is a huge security presence in Cork, with events concentrated in the UCC campus, Cork City Hall, Tyndall National Institute and Hayfield Manor Hotel.

Ahead of meeting Ms von der Leyen, Mr Martin said he plans to raise "Israel’s persistent and egregious breaches of human rights and international law".

Asked about this statement by reporters, he said: "It’s not dependent on the presidency alone that we raise these issues."

He said there has been "a lot of progress at the Foreign Affairs Council recently", but added there are "quite a number" of EU countries who have "different views to Ireland" on "the Palestinian issue and Palestinians’ right to self-determination".

He added: "The issue of trade with the occupied territories is one that can be dealt with and should be dealt with at a pan-European Union level."

During their visit the Tyndall National Institute, Ireland’s largest deep-tech research centre, Commissioners are due to hear from researchers about their work in semiconductors, advanced materials, and space.

Gardaí have said traffic restrictions for the visit will be kept to the minimum required, they have advised members of the public travelling through Cork Airport to allow for additional time due to possible temporary traffic restrictions.