Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 4: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the proposal of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee for a transatlantic political council and joint parliamentary committee to put EU-US relations on an institutional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16048/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament has put forward an interesting set of proposals, which are currently being studied in my Department. Nobody can dispute that the relationship between the European Union and the US is our most important strategic partnership. This remains the case, whatever the personalities or political forces on either side.

As regards the idea of a transatlantic political council, I point out that relations between the EU and the US are already structured through a number of institutional arrangements. The most important of these, in political terms, is the EU-US Summit where the Presidency, European Commission President and High Representative meet the President of the United States. The next summit will take place in June and will pursue some of the issues raised at the informal summit which took place in Prague earlier this month with the participation of all members of the European Council, including the Taoiseach. Given the time and resources devoted to the summits, it is essential that they should be events of substance, leading to significant outcomes for both sides. It is important to bear in mind that any changes in structures would require the assent of the US side. There is no evidence at present that they see a need for additional summit meetings.

The Transatlantic Economic Council, established in 2007, also has an important role to play in strengthening economic and commercial relations between the EU and the US. It can play a particularly useful role in the current international economic climate. I am confident that council has an important role to play in promoting transatlantic economic integration to the benefit of both sides.

As regards a joint parliamentary committee, contacts and institutional arrangements between the European Parliament and the US Congress are a matter for those bodies to agree between themselves. Nevertheless, I am conscious of the important role which inter-parliamentary contacts can have in promoting understanding of international issues and raising awareness among parliamentarians. I appreciate there is scope for development of the transatlantic legislators dialogue and would welcome efforts of parliamentarians on both sides in this direction.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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We cannot underestimate the significance of EU-US partnership, which was clearly damaged throughout the course of the most recent US Administration. That eight-year period saw significant difficulties in the traditionally co-operative EU-US approach to many aspects of foreign affairs. Given our opportunity with the new US Administration, it is essential we get that relationship back on track. Economically, the logic in the arguments is self-evident, in that 60% of global GDP is accounted for by the EU and US economies and 14 million people are employed through transatlantic economic activity. Co-operation is important, not just to the EU and the US, but to the rest of the world.

I do not accept it is a matter for the European Parliament and Congress to decide.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Leadership by the European Council is necessary. Will the Minister comment in this regard? A new institutional framework must be pioneered by the European Council and member states.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My point was that it is a matter for both parliaments. Let us not presume that we, the governments, can dictate to parliaments. Congress is conscious of its role as a Legislature independent of the US Executive. Likewise, the European Parliament has increased its status as a legislature, including its co-decision responsibilities with the Council. There is a need for contacts at that level, which we support. For it to be successful at the parliamentary dialogue level, the initiative and enthusiasm to carry it forward must come from both parliaments.

Regarding the broader issue, the relationship between the US and the EU is strategically important. We are satisfied with the quick, warm relationship developed by the new Administration of President Obama and the EU. An effective informal summit was held in Prague. The G20 process involved significant collaboration with EU Heads of Government and the US Presidency prior to the G20 meeting, which focused on the global financial and banking collapse, how to resurrect the global economy and how to develop a coherent set of policies that would lead to a resumption of growth and employment.

The structures exist, such as the Transatlantic Economic Council, the annual summits and the significant series of bilateral meetings between the US and EU member states. In Ireland's case, that meeting occurs in March every year and presents a considerable opportunity for us to engage in a substantive bilateral contact with the US Administration at the highest level.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I want to allow Deputy Creighton a brief supplementary question.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The key issue is the quality of those engagements and their outcomes. It is not just a matter of quantity and frequency of meetings. It is a matter of the meetings' substance and outputs.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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I do not dispute that. Ireland, as one of only two English-speaking EU member states, has an opportunity to be the pioneer. I do not know whether the Minister has considered Fine Gael's 2004 proposal of a transatlantic foundation based in Shannon. There would be an added bonus for Ireland and new economic activity, but it would also strengthen Ireland's role as the United States of America's gateway into Europe. It is a major opportunity, but it does not seem to have been considered by the Minister.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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For the information of the House and as the Deputy is probably aware, the Government initiated and concluded a significant report on the strategic relationship between Ireland and the US. The Taoiseach launched it during St. Patrick's week, thereby highlighting the strategic relationship between Ireland and the US while setting it in an EU context.

We have been clear in our strong support for a progressive and warm relationship with the US, not only in terms of economics, but also regarding the Middle East peace process, for example. We welcome the prioritisation of that issue by President Obama and the appointment of Senator George Mitchell and stand ready to provide our support. The strong, strategic partnership between the US and the EU in terms of the suppression of piracy can be effective. The EU-US axis is pivotal to the peaceful resolution of a number of international disputes. There is no disagreement in terms of the importance of the-----

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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We could be more proactive.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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We are very proactive.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Not enough.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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There has been ongoing and frequent contact between the EU and the US Administration since the election of President Obama, although it has undoubtedly been motivated by the significant global economic meltdown.