Bernard J. Durkan
Question:123 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any consultation with his UK counterpart with a view to expediting European integration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - European Integration.
I see the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Douglas Hurd, regularly at EC Council meetings, most recently at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 8 March. We had a bilateral meeting on 3 February while I was in London for an Anglo-Irish Conference. On these occasions we have discussed matters of Community interest, including the course of European integration in the context of the Treaty on European Union signed at Maastricht on 7 February 1992.
The Government understands it is the intention of the British that the ratification of the Treaty on European Union will be completed by all member states later this year.