Vol. 559 No. 2
72 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he next expects to meet Commissioner Franz Fischler; if he proposes to hold bilateral discussions with his EU counterparts in the immediate future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25758/02]
I meet Commissioner Fischler and my ministerial colleagues at the monthly meeting of the Council of Ministers relating to agriculture and fisheries.
These meetings provide opportunities for informal bilateral discussions on matters of mutual interest. In addition, formal bilateral meetings with the Commissioner and my ministerial colleagues take place from time to time as circumstances require. I have no immediate plans for a formal bilateral meeting with the Commissioner. The Commissioner visited this country on 11 November. I am planning to meet some of my ministerial colleagues in the new year.
