Dinny McGinley
Ceist:86 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's Presidency priorities for the Irish Presidency of the European Union in 2004. [26819/03]
Written Answers. - EU Presidency.
The Government aims to run an efficient, effective and impartial Presidency. The first half of 2004 presents very particular challenges, and our preparations, including on our Presidency programme, will reflect this. Ireland will be the first Presidency to preside over the enlarged Union of 25 states when the new member states formally accede to the Union on 1 May 2004. The successful integration of the new members will be an important focus for our Presidency. We will also take forward work on the further enlargement of the Union.
The Union's agenda for economic, social and environmental renewal will be the focus for the spring European Council. We will be seeking to revitalise the process and give it greater dynamism as it approaches its crucial mid-term point.
Justice and Home Affairs issues will feature prominently as work to complete the area of freedom, security and justice continues, in line with the Amsterdam Treaty and Tampere conclusions.
The EU's external agenda is extensive and challenging. Transatlantic relations will be a key priority for our Presidency, as will support for effective multilateralism through close EU-UN co-operation, conflict prevention and ESDP and the EU's relationship with Africa. Other issues that will be prominent on the Council's external agenda include the Middle East peace process, relations with Russia, wider Europe and the western Balkans as well as the issues of human rights and disarmament and non-proliferation.
Development issues will also be highlighted during our Presidency. In line with the Government's key priority for Ireland's development co-operation programme we will work to ensure maximum effectiveness of the EU's contribution to reducing global poverty and inequality. The fight against HIV-AIDS in developing countries will receive particular attention.
I was delighted to provide detailed briefing on Ireland's Presidency priorities to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs on 9 September and the Government will continue to keep the Oireachtas fully informed as our Presidency programme develops.