Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans regarding the fact that the Irish Government has the worst track record at EU Council meeting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35427/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The period referred to in the Deputy's Question predates the formation of the current Government and my appointment as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

As the Irish Minister with responsibility for the culture elements of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (EYCS), I attend meetings of that Council grouping, as required. There have been three meetings of the EYCS grouping from 9 March 2011 to date. Of the three meetings of the EYCS Council, there was ministerial attendance at two of the meetings. The meeting which I was unable to attend coincided with Queen Elizabeth's visit to Ireland and I arranged that the meeting be attended in my stead by a senior official from the Permanent Representative in Brussels.

In relation to the Environmental Council, I also attend meetings when significant items relating to my Ministerial responsibilities under the Heritage remit are on the agenda. I attended this Council in December 2011 and June 2012.