Written Answers. - European Council Meetings.
525.
Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 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. [23335/03]
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
(Éamon Ó Cuív): My reply to the Deputy covers the period from June 2002, when my Department was established, to date.
My Department does not have lead responsibility for areas where the decisions are taken at EU level. The question of either formal or informal EU Council meetings relevant to my position-portfolio held since June 2002 or of heading the Irish delegation at such meetings does not, therefore, arise.
In short, the Deputy's question is not applicable, at this time to my portfolio.