Vol. 448 No. 4
78 Mr. Davern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement regarding his meeting with the French Foreign Minister; the matters discussed; and the matters particularly raised by him on behalf of the Irish Government. [2252/95]
I met the French Foreign Minister, Mr. Juppé, in Dublin on 20 January. Mr. Juppé's visit was one in a series of visits to his colleagues in the European Union at the outset of the French Presidency. The purpose of the visit was to brief partners on the priorities of the French Presidency. Mr. Juppé also called on the Taoiseach.
Mr. Juppé outlined and confirmed the five priorities of the French Presidency which are Growth and Employment, the Social Dimension, Security and Stability in Europe, Affirmation of European Culture and Identity and the first stage of preparations for the Intergovernmental Conference in 1996.
I indicated our agreement with these priorities and promised our broad support to the French Presidency in exercising its responsibilities and in its efforts to advance the Union's agenda.
I took the opportunity of my meeting with Mr. Juppé to underline the importance of next year's Imaginaire Irlandais project which will be the most comprehensive Irish cultural event ever staged in France. Mr. Juppé promised his continued support for the project.
