Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 3

Written Answers. - European Council Meetings.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

478 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the meetings, formal and informal, of European Union Councils relevant to his position or portfolio held since June 1997; the number of such meetings personally attended by him; the details of the person who led the Irish delegation at such council meetings when not attended by him. [23333/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The relevant councils are the Justice and Home Affairs Council and the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council when dealing with issues which are the responsibility of my Department.

There have been eight meetings of the Justice and Home Affairs Council since I took up office and I attended each of those meetings. The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council is concerned with a wide range of topics including equality issues and is attended by different Ministers depending on the issues under consideration. The Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has attended one meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in the period concerned.