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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 2 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 5

Written Answers. - Agenda 2000.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

24 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of times the inter-departmental committee on Agenda 2000 has met in 1998; the progress, if any, made by the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12094/98]

The Interdepartmental Group on Agenda 2000 has met four times in 1998. The role of the group, which is chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs, is to consider Ireland's overall strategy in relation to the Agenda 2000 negotiations and to report in that regard to the Ministers and Secretaries General Group on EU policy chaired by the Taoiseach.

Much of the co-ordination between the Departments concerned takes place, of course, on a more informal day-to-day basis within the overall policy approach agreed by the Ministers and Secretaries General Group.

The Agenda 2000 negotiations are set to run for some time. The aim established by the Cardiff European Council is that political agreement be reached on the Agenda 2000 package no later than March next year. It will continue to be necessary for the Government to refine and adapt its strategy as the negotiations evolve.

It will be important to maintain a co-ordinated approach to the Agenda 2000 negotiations. I am satisfied with the arrangements established in that regard.

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