John Bruton
Question:19 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Cabinet Committee on European Affairs met in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2203/00]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
John Bruton
Question:20 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the consultations he had with other EU Heads of Government on the formation of a new government in Austria. [3309/00]
John Bruton
Question:21 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the communication, if any, he has had with the new Chancellor of Austria, Mr. Schussel, following his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3311/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 to 21, inclusive, together.
The Cabinet Committee on European Affairs, following its establishment in May, 1999, met three times during the course of the year. It will meet as required as key issues arise on the EU agenda and in preparation for european councils. It met again yesterday evening to consider, inter alia, the launch of the Intergovernmental Conference on 14 February, and the co-ordination of Ireland's approach to the Lisbon Special European Council on Employment which will take place on 23-24 March.
I spoke to the Portuguese Prime Minister, Mr. Antonio Guterres on Sunday, 30 January, about the proposed composition of the Austrian Government. Mr. Guterres was making contact with member states of the Union in relation to their individual bilateral responses. An agreed approach was developed by the Portuguese presidency on foot of these consultations and after it had been conveyed by Prime Minister Guterres to the Austrian President it was made public.
Following this statement I spoke to PM Guterres again. In addition, my office has maintained continuing contact with the Portuguese Prime Minister's office on this issue. I also received a phone call from the then Vice Chancellor and acting Foreign Minister Mr Wolfgang Schüssel on 2 February on the proposed programme of the new Austrian coalition Government. I took the opportunity to stress the essential importance of the common european values of democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the need for a clear reaffirmation by the new Austrian Government of its intention to honour these values and its adherence to its international obligations both within the Union and other international fora.
The statement from the 14 member states relates to the broad conduct of bilateral relations with Austria. It will, of course, remain to individual member states to determine the operational application of the measures in the statement and it is the Government's intention to examine each proposed contact on a case by case basis.
Importantly, as Commission President Prodi has made clear, the work of the EU in its institutions is not affected.