Vol. 398 No. 4
54 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EC Council of Foreign Affairs has responded to the request made by the European Parliament for a preconference prior to the Intergovernmental Conference between the European Parliament, European Council and European Commission.
The Irish Presidency has been in contact with the European Parliament and with other member states on the question of participation in the proposed interinstitutional meeting. I informed the President of the European Parliament in early April of the Council's readiness to participate in the meeting. Following discussions at yesterday's meeting of the EC Council of Ministers (General Affairs), I have written to the President of the Parliament confirming the Council's agreement to the date of 17 May for the meeting.
