Proinsias De Rossa
Question:25 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Taoiseach his priorities for the next summit of EU Heads of Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19362/98]
Written Answers. - EU Summits.
Denis Naughten
Question:26 Mr. Naughten asked the Taoiseach the date of the next meeting of EU Heads of State; the venue for the meeting; and the agenda items. [19365/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.
The next meeting of EU Heads of State is in Portschach in Austria on 24-25 October for an informal meeting of Heads of State or Government and the President of the Commission. Given that the meeting is informal in its nature, no formal decisions will be taken and no written conclusions will be issued. The agenda for this meeting is not yet finalised. However, it is likely to focus on subsidiarity and democratic legitimacy; institutional issues; the role and proposed reform of the General Affairs Council; and appointment of a high representative for the common foreign and security policy — CFSP.
Ireland's fundamental concern is that every member state should retain the right to nominate a full member of the Commission, a principle which was respected at Amsterdam but which will undoubtedly come up again. In addition, we will be attentive to the timing and possible constitutional implications of further institutional reform. I also believe that it is imperative in any GAC reform that the link between the Council of Ministers and the European Council is fully maintained, thus safeguarding Ireland's interests as a smaller member state.