Vol. 574 No. 3
47 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an EU/US summit is expected to be held during the course of the Irish Presidency of the EU; the likely location of such a summit; if it is expected that President Bush will visit here for such a summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26715/03]
106 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans for President Bush to attend an EU summit or comparable EU session during Ireland's six month EU Presidency; the EU issues with which President Bush will be concerned during that visit; the EU issues that the Taoiseach will be discussing with President Bush; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26337/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 106 together.
Under the existing arrangements for relations between the EU and the US, a summit meeting is held annually. During the Irish Presidency, it is planned to hold an EU-US summit in Ireland and we are working closely with the US side to agree a date.
The Government attaches considerable importance to the EU's relationship with the US, which is comprehensive, covering a broad range of political as well as trade and economic issues. While it is too early to indicate in detail the topics for discussion during the summit, it would be our expectation that issues relating to foreign policy, economic and trade relations and other areas for co-operation will arise for consideration.
The EU-US relationship is of fundamental importance to both parties and the Government is committed to working closely with the US during our Presidency to further develop co-operation across a broad range of issues.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 22.
Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 24.
