merrion street

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D., will meet Mr. Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament on Monday 11 July during the President’s official visit to Ireland.

In advance of their meeting, the Tánaiste said:

"I am delighted to welcome the President of the European Parliament to Ireland. One of the main aims of this Government is to re-establish strong links with the European institutions, including the European Parliament.

Our meeting will provide an important opportunity to exchange views with President Buzek on a range of important challenges facing both Ireland and the European Union today. In particular, I look forward to highlighting the steps taken by the Government to stabilise Ireland’s economy and our determination to emerge from the EU/IMF Programme as soon as possible.

I will also brief President Buzek on Ireland’s preparations for our forthcoming EU Presidency in 2013. Intensive and cooperative engagement with the European Parliament will be a key element in ensuring the success of our Presidency.

I am delighted that President Buzek will also have an opportunity to meet cross-border groups who have benefited from EU funding. The contribution made to peace and reconciliation on this island, in particular by the PEACE and INTERREG Programmes, as well the International Fund for Ireland is one of the great success stories for the EU in Ireland and one where the Parliament has taken a consistent and positive interest".