Ivor Callely
Question:50 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the likely implications of the EU common foreign and security policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14768/96]
Written Answers. - Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The establishment of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) under the Maastricht Treaty represented an important step in equipping the European Union with the capacity to respond effectively to international developments. The principal implication of the CFSP for Ireland at present relates to the responsibilities which we have assumed as Presidency of the European Union since 1 July. The Presidency plays a central role in the conduct of the CFSP during its term of office. In this capacity, Ireland will be responsible for organising the work of the CFSP, implementing CFSP measures and representing the European Union on foreign policy issues. The Presidency's role includes the chairing of meetings on a wide range of CFSP issues and ensuring the co-ordination of EU positions in international fora. In representing the European Union as Presidency, Ireland will conduct political dialogue meetings with third countries, assisted in some cases by our Troika partners, and will represent the Union's positions at multilateral meetings and conferences.
The functioning of the CFSP is currently under review at the Intergovernmental Conference. Issues which are being considered in this context include the day-to-day management of the CFSP, decision-making procedures, the role of the Presidency and the external representation of the Union.