Bernard J. Durkan
Question:79 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has discussed European integration, post Nice, with his European colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8575/01]
Written Answers. - European Integration.
It was agreed at the Nice European Council last December that a broadly based discussion on the future development of the Union should begin, leading in due course to a more detailed consideration of a number of issues, including the distribution of powers between the Union and the member states; the future status of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; the simplification of the treaties, and the role of national parliaments in the EU framework.
While giving immediate priority to the ratification of the Nice treaty, which will involve a referendum, and the expected accompanying public debate, consideration is also being given to how Ireland's contribution to the wider debate might best be organised. Given the emphasis on ensuring that the debate is representative and broadly based, it will be important to ensure that all relevant interests have an opportunity to put forward their point of view, and we will be considering a range of options to help achieve this objective.
While these developments, which are on the agenda for the Gothenburg European Council in June, have yet to be discussed in detail in the General Affairs Council, I had the opportunity to review progress in this area at my recent meeting with the German Foreign Minister, Joscka Fischer. In stressing our commitment to closer co-operation within the EU framework, I emphasised that the Government intends to participate constructively in the ongoing debate. We both looked forward to contributing to the development of the Union so that it was capable of meeting the challenges of enlargement, while remaining responsive to the needs of it's citizens.