Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 18, inclusive, together.

On Sunday 5 April I travelled to Prague to participate in the EU-US Summit. I was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin. This meeting, attended by President Obama, took place against the backdrop of the London G20 Summit on 2 April and the NATO Summit on 3 and 4 April. The EU-US relationship is of paramount importance, bilaterally and in the context of tackling global challenges. Among the key issues we discussed in Prague were the global economic crisis, energy and climate change, and regional affairs, including the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

On my travel plans for the remainder of 2009, it is my intention to attend the Eastern Partnership Summit on 7 May in Prague. I will also attend the European Council meetings scheduled for 18-19 June, 29-30 October and 10-11 December. I have not yet received an agenda for the European Council on 18-19 June and I currently have no meetings with other EU leaders scheduled ahead of the Council.

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