Gay Mitchell
Ceist:4 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's intentions regarding an EU-US summit in Ireland during Ireland's EU Presidency in 2004. [30575/03]
Ceisteanna – Questions. Priority Questions. - EU-US Summit.
We are working closely with the US authorities on the preparation, including the exact date and location, of an EU-US summit to take place during Ireland's Presidency of the EU. Dialogue between the EU and the US will take place at foreign minister and senior official level during the Presidency. While it is too early to indicate in detail the topics for discussion during the summit, the agenda will embrace political, economic and trade issues, as well as other areas of co-operation. A strong and close relationship between the EU and the US is important for the growth and prosperity of both sides. It can provide a basis for international peace and security. I look forward to working closely with the US to develop this important relationship during our Presidency.
I welcome the fact that the summit will take place. It is a good, healthy and useful development. It will help Ireland to increase its influence and improve relations between the EU and the US. Reports in the US have suggested that a number of EU member states, including Ireland, are to be excluded from applying for contracts to carry out certain works in Iraq. I understand there will be a total budget of €15.2 billion for 26 contracts. On what basis has the United States decided on such an exclusion? Will the Minister support the EU's stated intention of raising these matters strongly with the US Government? Ireland, which has facilitated the efforts of the United States in Iraq by allowing overflights and refuelling to take place here, has been placed behind countries like Tonga and the Marshall Islands. Does the Minister agree with the comments of US Senator John Kerry, who said he could not think of anything dumber, more insulting or more inciting? Will he raise this matter forcefully with the US Administration?
Hear, hear.
I understand this matter is being considered by the Commission, having been communicated to it in recent days. We await Commissioner Patten's advice to the Council on the matter. I understand at this remove, without having had a detailed appraisal of the issue, that it relates to moneys being provided by the United States for the reconstruction of Iraq. Neither I nor the embassy officials have had an opportunity to make inquiries about the basis of the inclusions and exclusions from the list. I understand that the US decision does not affect sub-contracting. I am not aware of many Irish companies that have declared an interest in reconstruction issues in Iraq. Detailed inquiries are being made in respect of this issue, which has arisen in the last day or two. As soon as full information is available, we can take it from there.
Is the Minister aware of the reported comments of Mr. Scott McClellan, a White House spokesman? He is reported to have said that the US is willing to open the contracts to countries that did not join the war, but which assisted what was termed "coalition efforts" in other ways.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle
It is not in order to quote at this time.
I will not quote again. Has Ireland been approached to assist the coalition efforts in other ways so that Irish companies can qualify to apply for contracts in respect of reconstruction work in Iraq?
No.
What is the Minister's personal opinion?
The Deputy should not ask him that.
Is it good or bad?