Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the question of detainees, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Justice, Equality and Law Reform understand their officials met a senior State Department representative on the matter earlier this week. We have made clear that our general disposition is to be helpful, but we also believe the greatest possible degree of co-ordination at European level would also be helpful. There was a first discussion among EU Foreign Ministers at the end of last month and the Justice Ministers will consider the issue a fortnight from now. Following that, we will review where matters stand.

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