Enda Kenny
Question:190 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting in Dublin with the German Chancellor, Mr. Schroder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4878/04]
View answerTuesday, 17 February 2004
Questions (105)
Written answers
I met Chancellor Schroder in Government Buildings on Monday, 9 February. We had a useful and constructive exchange of views on the Intergovernmental Conference.
We agreed on the importance for Europe of the new constitution and we are united in wanting to see the IGC concluded as soon as possible. We had a wide-ranging discussion on the IGC including on the principle of a dual majority voting system to which Germany is very strongly committed. A priority for us is to try to establish whether it is possible to find agreement on how that principle can be implemented in a way which takes account of the concerns of everyone. I thanked the Chancellor for the assurance of Germany's continued support for our approach.
We also had time to touch on a number of other issues including the forthcoming spring European Council and future financial perspectives. On the spring European Council, I briefed the Chancellor on our approach which will be to have a focused strategic discussion on how best to achieve the economic and social goals we have set ourselves.