Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans his Department has to promote Ireland's EU Presidency with the Irish public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2801/04]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am responsible for a wide range of EU Presidency business across the sectoral policy areas of telecommunications, energy, broadcasting, fisheries, maritime transport and maritime safety. I also hold commensurate chairing responsibilities for the agriculture and fisheries, transport, energy and telecommunications and education, youth and culture council formations. I am working to deliver on policy priorities at EU level within the Government's overall strategic approach. I welcome and will actively encourage through media briefings and interviews widespread interest across the business community, the sectors and the public generally in Ireland's Presidency which arises at a critical time for the EU itself.

My Department is promoting awareness of the Presidency through our own website, www.dcmnr.gov.ie, as well as the central Presidency website, www.eu2004.ie, in addition to our regular media briefing and releases. We are also holding the following conferences in Ireland during the Presidency: