Vol. 539 No. 1
101 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will list each EU Council of Ministers meeting since July 1997 at which he was entitled to attend; and, in respect of each such meeting, if he attended or another Minister, a Minister of State, or another person represented him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19068/01]
There are normally four Councils of Fisheries Ministers and four Councils of Transport Ministers each year. The Transport Councils cover aviation, road and rail as well as maritime matters, which are my responsibilities.
I have attended all Fisheries Councils held since my appointment as Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources in January 2000. My predecessor, Dr. Michael Woods, attended all other Fisheries Councils held between July 1997 and my appointment.
Transport Councils normally involve technical discussions of issues of relevance to my Department in the fields of shipping, marine environment and maritime safety. Senior officials of my Department have represented me at all Transport Councils held since my appointment. My predecessor, Dr. Michael Woods, attended one Transport Council between July 1997 and my appointment, and other Councils in that period were attended by departmental officials.
