Ireland hopeful of EU-US framework deal on trade this week

DUBLIN, July 7 (Reuters) - European Union member state Ireland remains hopeful that the bloc can reach a framework deal on trade with the U.S. this week, its prime minister said after a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"We remain hopeful that the U.S. and European Union can agree an outline agreement or framework principle agreement this week. There are still a number of issues to be negotiated," Micheál Martin told reporters.