Michael Bell
Question:114 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to the Czech Republic and his discussions with President Vaclav Havel. [23733/01]
Written Answers. - Ministerial Travel.
Charles Flanagan
Question:123 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals he has in relation to the proposed enlargement of the EU. [23886/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 123 together.
I am pleased to report that enlargement accession negotiations are proceeding well. The Government's position on enlargement of the European Union is very clear: we view it as an opportunity of immense social, political and economic significance, both for candidate countries and member states. Given the importance attached to the process, the Government's approach to enlargement will remain unchanged: Ireland will continue to play a constructive role in the accession negotiations in Brussels, maintaining a practical approach to discussions and facilitating agreement, while closely monitoring key areas of negotiation that are of specific interest to Ireland.
Furthermore, Ireland will continue to encourage all candidate countries in their efforts to adopt and implement the acquis of the EU. This guidance will be through participation in multilateral schemes such as PHARE and EU Twinning projects, and bilateral programmes.
As Deputies are aware, from 27-28 June of this year I visited the Czech Republic. During my visit, I paid a courtesy call on President Havel. The Czech Republic is one of the leading candidate countries involved in the current phase of EU enlargement and our discussions naturally focused on developments in the accession process. My visit occurred soon after our referendum on the Nice treaty and, I emphasised that the negative result should not be interpreted as a "No" to enlargement. I reiterated this Government's firm commitment to the further enlargement of the EU. I also underlined Ireland's continuing support for the Czech Republic's impressive progress in the negotiations. President Havel warmly received these comments and commended the ongoing contacts between our two countries.
While I was in Prague, I had further meetings with Czech Prime Minister Zeman, Foreign Minister Kavan, the Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Vaclav Klaus and the Czech Senate Committee. These meetings allowed us discuss issues relating to Czech progress in the accession negotiations and were extremely productive and cordial.