Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 23 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 5

Written Answers. - EU Council of Ministers.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

127 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, she is taking to ensure that she and the Ministers of State at her Department attend European Council meetings in view of the fact there was no ministerial representation from her Department at seven of the 18 council meetings held between 27 February and 7 December 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8015/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

It is the policy of the Ministers of State at my Department and myself to participate fully in meetings of EU Councils of Ministers and every possible effort is made to achieve this. There are occasions where attendance is not possible by virtue of illness or previous commitments. In these situations the rules of procedure of the EU Council allow for members of the Council to arrange to be represented.