Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:101 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had consultations with his European Union colleagues in the context of Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24769/01]
Written Answers. - Partnership for Peace.
Since my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 199 raised by the Deputy on 15 May 2001, I have attended one meeting which has been held at ministerial level in the context of European Security and Defence Policy, ESDP. This informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers was held in Brussels from 11 to 12 October 2001. The meeting, an informal event, was not a decision-making forum. Matters discussed centred on ESDP in general and in particular on progress made to date on making the EU crisis management capability operational to fulfil the Helsinki headline goal by 2003. I have not had discussions with my European Union colleagues in the context of Partnership for Peace, PfP.