Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:82 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for two major conferences during the Irish Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28547/03]
Written Answers. - EU Presidency.
In line with the recognition of the vital contribution that rural communities make to society and mindful of the importance of rural economies in many of the acceding member states, I propose to hold a two-day conference on rural Europe during the Irish Presidency in Westport. The conference will address wider rural development issues and themes outside, but informed by, the Common Agricultural Policy. The timing is particularly appropriate for focusing on the wider rural development issues facing the enlarged Union. It is envisaged that the conference will address issues such as access to services and infrastructure including rural transport, quality of life, rural populations, alternative employment opportunities including small food production systems, rural tourism initiatives, strengthening communities through co-operation and more effective social capital and access to education, training and lifelong learning.
The European foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions will be closely involved with the conference. The findings of a survey on living conditions and quality of life in 28 European countries, being carried out by the foundation, will underpin a significant portion of the event. The foundation will also be directly involved in running a number of parallel workshops. While participants will be invited to attend both from state and community sectors, it is intended that the main players addressing the conference and contributing to the overall discussion on future needs will be direct stakeholders in rural development.
I also propose to host a high level conference at official level to address issues relating to economic and social cohesion policies for specific areas of the EU with recognised territorial handicaps, such as islands, mountainous areas and sparsely populated areas. The conference will be held in Galway in May 2004. My officials have held discussions with officials in the Commission's directorate general for regional policy about the conference programme. A further meeting is due to take place shortly to advance preparations for the conference.
I should also mention that a meeting of European Union drugs co-ordinators will take place in Dublin in June 2004. The meeting will bring together senior officials from the EU member states to consider a range of strategic issues as regards tackling the problem of drug misuse and exchanging ideas and best practice.
The timing of these events means that they will take place after the formal enlargement of the EU on 1 May 2004. In addition to the overall objective of contributing to furthering strategic consideration by the EU in important policy areas, the conferences should provide an occasion on which to celebrate with and welcome new members to the European Union.
Question No. 83 answered with Question No. 27.
Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 53.
Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 8.