Vol. 567 No. 7
72 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's views on the recently formed security and defence alliance into which some EU member states have entered; if he has calculated the effect this development may have on PFP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14912/03]
The Government considers the recent so-called mini-summit on security and defence convened by Belgium, France, Germany and Luxembourg to be a matter for the four countries concerned. It does not seem likely that the expression of views by the four countries involved would have any significant impact on Partnership for Peace.
For our part, consideration of any change in how the arrangements for security and defence are addressed at EU level will continue to take place through the ongoing Convention on the Future of Europe and at the forthcoming Intergovernmental Conference.
Questions Nos. 73 and 74 answered with Question No. 64.
