Taoiseach to decide on Wednesday if he can attend European Council summit

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is to decide on Wednesday if he can attend the European Council summit on the invasion of Ukraine later this week following his positive Covid-19 test during his St Patrick’s Day visit to the United States.

A new round of EU sanctions against Russia is likely to be discussed by EU leaders at the meeting on Thursday and Friday, which is to be attended by US president Joe Biden.

Mr Martin remained in Washington after his positive Covid test last week, and his spokesman said the Fianna Fáil leader was “in good form” and was continuing to work.

He participated in Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting remotely, and also had telephone conversations with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez on Tuesday.

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However, the spokesman did not say whether the Taoiseach had yet tested negative for the virus.

Mr Martin’s isolation period ended on Tuesday after he passed the seven days required by Irish guidelines.

Under US guidance Mr Martin is advised against international travel for 10 days after a positive test, but officials said this was not a regulation.

If Mr Martin does not attend the summit he must ask a fellow EU leader to represent Ireland as he cannot nominate a deputy or representative who is not already a member of the European Council. He cannot attend the meetings remotely, his spokesman said.

“He is symptom-free and feeling well,” the spokesman said, adding that he would decide on Wednesday whether he can attend the summit based on medical and official advice.