Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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68. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Minister or Minister of State that represented Ireland at the Ministerial Council meetings of the European Union during the Irish Presidency of the Council to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26214/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Council of the European Union is a key decision-making institution of the EU, at whose meetings all EU Member States are represented. In addition, I have also co-hosted one informal meeting of Foreign Ministers, a so-called “Gymnich” meeting. Due to prior diary commitments, I was unable to attend the Extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council (Mali) meeting on 17 January 2013, convened at short notice to consider the situation in Mali. Ireland was represented, at the meeting, by the Minister of State with Special Responsibility for European Affairs, Ms Lucinda Creighton, T.D.

In addition, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr Alan Shatter, T.D., represented Ireland at one meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council dedicated to Defence matters. The Minister of State with Responsibility for Trade and Development, Mr Joe Costello, T.D., represented Ireland at one meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council dedicated to Development Policy issues.

Details of attendance, at meetings of the General Affairs Council, the Foreign Affairs Council and “Gymnichs” since 1 January 2013, are listed below.