Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 6

Written Answers. - EU Meetings.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

107 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the name of the European Council of Ministers, if any, relevant to his Department; the number of these council meetings he has attended since taking office; the number of meetings attended by an official or permanent representative in his absence; the number of meetings he has had with his equivalent European counterparts outside the Council of Ministers format since taking office; if officials from his Department meet regularly with Commission or other national officials; if so, the regularity with which they meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6720/99]

The Taoiseach

As Head of Government I attend the European Council. I have attended each of the six meetings to date since I became Taoiseach. I hold regular bilateral meetings with my European counterparts. I have held approximately 30 such meetings.

Officials from my Department liaise regularly, as appropriate, with the European Commission and the offices of other EU Heads of State or Government and their Embassies in Dublin. In addition, indirect contact is maintained through the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Representation in Brussels and our embassies abroad.