Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 5

Written Answers. - EU Presidency.

John Perry

Question:

32 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding allocated to his Department to cover the expenses his Department will incur from its activities during Ireland's Presidency of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28652/03]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

No specific provision has been included in my Department's 2004 Estimates to fund the expenses arising from its activities during Ireland's Presidency of the European Union.

As I have announced previously, my Department's focus during the EU Presidency will be on a conference dealing with islands, mountainous and sparsely populated areas to be held in Galway in May, and a rural development conference, which will be held in Westport, most likely in June. Details of these events are being finalised and the level of EU funding available has to be clarified. My Department will also host a meeting of EU national drugs co-ordinators in Dublin in June. I am satisfied that the necessary funding from my Department will be in place to facilitate the successful hosting of these events.

Question No. 33 answered with Question No. 30.