Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004
102 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions being taken by his Department in the context of Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union to push forward the requirements of the Lisbon Agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10007/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Lisbon strategy is designed to make the European Union the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. It was identified as one of the key priorities of Ireland's EU Presidency. The Department of the Taoiseach has lead responsibility for the Lisbon strategy while a number of other Departments hold substantive responsibility for specific issues arising under the strategy. My Department worked with the Department of the Taoiseach and other Departments in developing the Presidency's approach which focused discussion on two overarching themes, sustainable growth and more and better jobs. I used my bilateral contacts, with partners as well as the meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 23 February and 22 March, to secure the agreement of member states to this approach.
Following the successful outcome of the European Council, my Department will continue to work with other Departments to ensure that key Lisbon strategy dossiers are finalised or advanced before the end of Ireland's Presidency.
