Taoiseach meets Godmanis

The Taoiseach took the opportunity to brief the Prime Minister on developments in the aftermath of the Lisbon Treaty referendum, and on the visit of President Sarkozy in his capacity as President of the European Council. 

The Taoiseach explained that the Irish Government was undertaking a thorough process of analysis and consultation to understand fully the concerns that influenced the outcome of the referendum. 

He explained that consultations would also take place with the EU Member States and institutions, ahead of his planned progress report to the October meeting of the European Council.  

The Taoiseach welcomed the support of the Latvian Government which had said that the choice of the Irish people must be respected and that, "we need to work together to find a solution agreeable to all."

The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Godmanis also discussed the current economic situation.  

The Prime Minister indicated that Latvia was keen to learn from Ireland's experience of economic development, social partnership and successful use of EU Structural Funds.  

The two leaders agreed that their respective administrations would stay in close contact.

The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Godmanis also discussed the World Trade Organisation negotiations, climate change and energy security.