Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
168 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department officials have been in contact with the French Government recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23752/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI visited Paris on Sunday 6 May upon the election of President Hollande in my capacity as leader of the Labour Party. I have also had a number of informal exchanges with members of his transition team. The Taoiseach spoke by telephone to President Hollande on 9 May and congratulated him on his victory in the presidential elections in France. Their discussions focused on the referendum on 31 May on the Stability Treaty, and the reorientation of the European agenda towards a strong growth future. They will meet at the informal dinner of Heads of State and Government on 23 May in Brussels which will focus on the growth agenda. Officials from my own Department and from the Department of the Taoiseach are in ongoing contact with officials of the French Government.
