22 Márta 2012, 15:46
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs today engaged with Minister for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton on a wide range of issues in advance of the upcoming meeting of the General Affairs Council (GAC), to be held in Brussels on Monday next.
The Minister of State’s address covered the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework, which shapes the EU budget from 2014 to 2020, as well as latest economic and foreign policy developments.
Chairman of the Committee Dominic Hannigan TD said: “Today’s constructive and honest exchanges with the Minister allowed Committee Members explore Ireland’s position ahead of the monthly GAC meeting. We heard Minister Creighton speak forcefully on the importance for rural Ireland of maintaining current levels of CAP funding, particularly as it comprises about 85 per cent of the EU funding drawn down by Ireland annually.
“The Minister affirmed Ireland’s strong support for maintaining the EU’s overseas aid budget at current levels. Committee Members were at one in advocating that Ireland, with a strong track record in development aid, should assume a leadership role in safeguarding the Europe’s enviable reputation as the world’s largest donor. The Committee also agrees with Minister Creighton’s sentiments that the burgeoning European External Action Service can play a significant role in promoting European values in the wider world.
“Debate on the Fiscal Compact provoked lively discussion at the today’s meeting and the Committee is planning an intensive period of meetings on the Treaty in the coming weeks. The meeting also touched on European Council meeting outcomes earlier in the month, which placed greater emphasis on fostering growth, competitiveness and employment.”
View a short video clip of the Chairman discussing the meeting.
ENDS
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Committee on European Union Affairs Membership
Deputies
Dominic Hannigan, TD (Chairman)
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Timmy Dooley, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
Colm Keaveney, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
Joe O’Reilly, TD
Mick Wallace, TD
Senators
Colm Burke,
Fidelma Healy Eames,
James Heffernan,
Terry Leyden,
Kathryn Reilly