Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 77: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his approach to relations with the European Commission. [9567/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government has engaged with European matters actively since coming to office. This is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to restoring Ireland's standing as a respected and influential member of the European Union. It implies the need for a broad effort, across government and administration, of engagement with EU institutions and with EU partners bilaterally, as well as with our international partners. Relations with the European Commission are central to this. At Government level, Ministers have been availing of opportunities to meet their EU colleagues and with representatives of the European institutions, including the European Commission. These efforts continue and will be a regular feature of our interaction with the various EU institutions.

I would recall that, within days of taking office, the Taoiseach travelled to Brussels to attend an Extraordinary meeting of the European Council and an informal meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the euro area. He took the opportunity on that occasion of meeting Commission President Barroso. I have availed of meetings of EU Foreign Ministers to meet High Representative Ashton, who is a Vice President of the European Commission. I had the opportunity of speaking to the Secretary General of the Commission, Catherine Day, during her recent visit to Dublin.

On 19th April last I invited EU Ambassadors to Iveagh House to set out the Government's analysis of the economic situation facing the country, seek the understanding and support of partners for our course, and also to underline the desire of the Government to engage constructively and more widely on the range of issues on the European agenda. All resident embassies were represented, as well as the heads of the European Commission and European Parliament offices. My colleague, Minister of State Creighton has availed of visits to Brussels and Luxembourg to meet representatives of the institutions including Commissioner Geoghegan Quinn. As the Deputy will recall, Commissioner Geoghegan Quinn addressed this House on 9th May as part of our Europe Day celebrations.

My Ministerial colleagues also have made a point of meeting with their Commission counterparts, often at Council meetings. Today, my colleagues the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation and the Minister for Social Protection are meeting here in Dublin with the Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Mr László Andor. Such contacts will continue and be a recurring feature of this Government's interaction with the European institutions, particularly in the run up to our Presidency in 2013.