European Council Meetings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 April 2011

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

Ceisteanna (228)

Regina Doherty

Ceist:

247 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of European Council meetings that his predecessor was entitled to attend in the year before 9 March 2011; the dates of such meetings; in each case if his predecessor attended the meeting or if the meeting was attended by officials in his place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7439/11]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte)

During the period in question, there were two European Union Joint Telecoms and Energy Councils. One took place on 3 December 2010, which my predecessor was unable to attend due to adverse weather conditions. This was attended by officials in his absence. The other was on 31 May 2010, which was attended by my predecessor. The then Minister also attended the Energy-only Council of the European Union on 12 March 2010.