John Bruton
Question:13 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the preparatory meetings he will have in Ireland before the next meeting of EU Heads of Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10832/99]
Vol. 503 No. 7
13 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the preparatory meetings he will have in Ireland before the next meeting of EU Heads of Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10832/99]
14 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, he has for preparatory meetings in advance of the Cologne summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10862/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
The next EU Council will take place in Cologne on 3 and 4 June. I would expect to meet with Chancellor Schröder as part of his tour of capitals in advance of the Council. I also expect to meet with the President-designate of the European Commission, Mr. Romano Prodi, having spoken to him previously and sent a formal invitation asking him to meet with me in Dublin.
In addition, together with my officials I will meet with relevant Departments, as appropriate, in relation to the issues on the agenda of the Council.
15 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting in Ireland with the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Mr. Brian Tobin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10833/99]
The Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Brian Tobin and Mrs. Tobin, visited Ireland last week. The main purpose of the Premier's visit was to lead a business mission to Ireland. He was accompanied by his Ministers for Industry, Trade and Technology and Justice and Finance.
The business mission took place pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the Government of Ireland and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1996. This Memorandum of Understanding was concluded during the period of office of the administration headed by Deputy John Bruton, in recognition of the fact that this province of Canada has the highest proportion of people of Irish descent of any area of settlement world-wide, and because of the commonalties and the potential for mutual benefit for the two participants.