Vol. 577 No. 1
80 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is expected that there will be a visit by President George Bush of the United States of America during the Irish Presidency; and if so, the details of such talks as have taken place between officials of his Department and others. [30472/03]
103 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he expects an EU-US summit to be held during the course of the Irish Presidency of the EU; the likely location of such a summit; if he expects that President Bush will visit Ireland for such a summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30493/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 103 together.
Under the existing arrangements for relations between the EU and the US, a summit meeting is held annually. During the Irish Presidency, it is planned to hold an EU-US summit in Ireland and we are working closely with the US side to agree a date and location for this meeting. As summit meetings are traditionally held at head of state and government level, it is anticipated that President George Bush will attend.
The Government attaches considerable importance to the EU's relationship with the US, which is comprehensive and covers a broad range of political and trade-economic issues. We are committed to working closely with the US during our Presidency to further develop co-operation in these areas. While it is too early to indicate in detail any possible arrangements surrounding a potential visit by President George Bush to Ireland, these will be the subject of ongoing discussions between the US and my Department before and during Ireland's Presidency of the EU.
Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 45.
Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 14.
