Vol. 546 No. 3
92 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the meetings, formal and informal, of European Union Councils relevant to his portfolio held since June 1997; the number of such meetings personally attended by him; and where not so attended, the person who led the Irish delegation at such council meetings. [31934/01]
The EU Councils relevant to my Department's remit are the fisheries council, the transport council, in so far as it relates to marine transport and safety and marine environmental issues, and the agriculture council, in so far as it relates to forestry issues.
I have attended all fisheries Councils held since my appointment as Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources in January 2000. My predecessor, Deputy Michael Woods, attended all other fisheries Councils held between July 1997 and my appointment.
Transport Councils which address maritime issues normally involve technical discussions on matters related to shipping, the marine environment or maritime safety. Senior officials of my Department have, as appropriate, represented me at transport Councils held since my appointment. My predecessor, the Minister, Deputy Woods, attended one transport Council between July 1997 and my appointment. Other Councils in that period were, as necessary, attended by Departmental officials.
