During the course of the Irish Presidency, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, Ministers, Ministers of State and senior officials from many Departments are required to host meetings in Ireland as well as in Brussels and other countries throughout the world. Usually hospitality, by way of a lunch, dinner or reception, is extended during these meetings. There are, in addition, many other bilateral meetings held during the EU Presidency context over the course of the six months. However, in view of the number and scale of events, I hope the Deputy will understand that it is not possible to provide the number and status of those invited to attend all of the functions. Following is a copy of the calendar for Council meetings in Brussels and for meetings in Ireland and a list of the summits at which the Taoiseach will represent the European Union.
With regard to the security aspects for meetings held in Ireland, these are a matter for the Garda Síochána However, I can confirm that Garda escorts are only provided where it has been deemed necessary for security reasons.
Invitations to meetings and functions issue in different ways. To date, invitations have been issued by post, e-mail and through Irish embassies abroad, as well as those embassies accredited to Ireland, for onward transmission to the appropriate authorities. It is not possible at this stage to provide a figure for the total cost to the exchequer of hosting Presidency events.
Summit meetings at which the Taoiseach will represent the European Union
