Vol. 536 No. 2
199 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had further discussions with his European Union colleagues in the context of preparation for Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14033/01]
Since my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 105 raised by the Deputy on 28 March 2001 one meeting has been held at ministerial level, with a further meeting scheduled for 14 and 15 May 2001 in the context of European Security and Defence Policy, ESDP.
I attended an informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Brussels on 6 April 2001. The meeting, an informal event, was not a decision making forum. Matters discussed centred on ESDP in general and in particular on progress made to date on making the EU crisis management capability operational in order to fulfil the Helsinki headline goal by 2003. A further informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers is scheduled for 14 and 15 May 2001 to review ongoing progress in the context of ESDP.
I have not had any discussions with my European Union colleagues in the context of Partnership for Peace, PfP.
Questions Nos. 200 and 201 answered with Question No. 89.
