Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his speech to the National Forum on Europe on 20 October 2005 in Dublin Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33565/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I was delighted to be able to accept an invitation to address the National Forum on Europe at the resumption of its work in Dublin Castle on 20 October. My address was followed by an extended discussion with contributions and questions from the members of the forum, as well as from participants from its special observer pillar, to which I responded.

Since its inception, the forum has played a key role in encouraging public debate in Ireland about European issues vital to our country's success. The forum, under the excellent chairmanship of Senator Maurice Hayes, will have a particular role to play during the current period of reflection on the European constitution and the future of Europe.

The main thrust of my address to the forum was to underline the significant achievements of the European Union and highlight how it is ideally suited to confront many of the emerging regional and global challenges. Among the subjects I addressed were the European constitution, the Union's future financial perspectives, Europe's economic performance and the challenges of globalisation, the Union's role in the prevention and resolution of international problems, and its leading contribution in the field of development co-operation.

The text of my statement is available on my Department's website, and a report of the meeting and a transcript of the proceedings are available from the website of the National Forum on Europe.