Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:88 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the EU Commission's proposal to create a new security culture in the EU is necessary and socially constructive. [23659/03]
Adjournment Debate. - Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:89 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the EU Commission proposal to spend ?65 million in preliminary funding alone over the next two years for security research. [23660/03]
I propose to take Questions No. 88 and 89 together.
Primary responsibility for research matters at both national and EU level lies with my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Harney.
On 18 September 2003, the European Commission announced proposals for a so-called preparatory action aimed at encouraging research in the area of security. The safety and security of EU citizens is clearly a matter of central importance to the Governments of the member states. Any effort to improve the security of citizens must be seen in that light. In making the announcement, attention was drawn by Commissioners Busquin and Liikanen to the perceived need for a more structured approach to this issue at EU level, to genuine security needs of citizens across the EU and to the importance of ensuring value for money in relation to the funding of security research.
I understand that a further communication from the European Commission on this matter is imminent. This, together with the proposals already announced, will require careful examination and will be the subject of negotiation at EU level.