Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 5

Written Answers. - EU Council Meetings.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

27 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of EU Council meetings for which her Department has responsibility at which there was no ministerial representation since 1 December 1999; the steps she is taking to ensure that she and the Ministers of State at her Department attend such meetings in view of the fact there was no ministerial representation from her Department at seven of the eighteen council meetings held between 27 February and 7 December 1999 and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11969/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The details relating to attendance at meetings of European Council of Ministers by me and by Ministers of State at my Department from 1 December 1999 to date are, as follows:

Date	Council	Head of Delegation
2 December 1999	Research	Minister of State, Deputy Noel Treacy
7 December 1999	Internal Market	Deputy Permanent Representative
13 March 2000	Labour and Social Affairs	Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt
16 March 2000	Internal Market	Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt
13 April 2000	Consumer Affairs	Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt

It is my policy and that of the Ministers of State at my Department to participate fully in meetings of the European Council of Ministers and every possible effort is made to effect this. There are occasions, however, where attendance is not possible by virtue of illness or previous commitments. In these situations, the rules of procedure of the EU Council allow for members of the council to arrange to be represented.