Ruairí Quinn
Question:352 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will set out the legislative and administrative priorities of his Department following his appointment as Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ministerial Policy.
The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote key governmental objectives in the Anglo-Irish, European Communities and wider international contexts.
Every effort will be made towards the achievement of progress in relation to Northern Ireland. The Anglo-Irish Agreement will continue to be implemented actively and everything possible will be done to promote the prospects of political dialogue.
In the EC context, an immediate objective is to secure the ratification and implementation of the Maastricht Treaty on European Union.
More generally, the Department will vigorously pursue Ireland's interests in the European Community, in international organisations and bilaterally with other countries, with particular regard to the country's economic interests and the welfare of our citizens.
The Department will also continue to promote, through the United Nations and otherwise, Ireland's commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security and to the achievement of a more just world order within which the interests of developing countries are taken fully into account.
The legislative and administrative priorities of the Department will reflect these policy objectives. The best possible use will be made of the Department's financial and personnel resources to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.