Joe Higgins
Ceist:82 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on preparations for the European Competitiveness Summit to be held in Dublin on 20 and 21 October 2003. [16749/03]
Written Answers. - EU Summits.
Joe Higgins
Ceist:100 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her priorities for the European Competitiveness Summit to be held in Dublin on 20 and 21 October 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16750/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 100 together.
The Government gave its approval to formally host the first European Competitiveness Summit in Dublin in January this year. The summit is to take place in October and is being organised by the World Economic Forum with a view to contributing to the European Union's Lisbon strategy. The principal focus of the summit will be in the area of economic competitiveness.
I have made arrangements for officials in my Department to liaise with the World Economic Forum on a continuing basis, and to assist with appropriate supports. In this context, the Government has provided Dublin Castle as the summit venue and will host a gala dinner for summit participants on the evening of 20 October.
This is the first European Competitiveness Summit and my priority is that the forum will bring a focus to the competitiveness agenda and assist us in our preparations for our Presidency of the EU and, in particular, my work as chair of the Competitiveness Council.