Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr David Andrews, T. D.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr David Andrews T. D. met with the Secretary General of his Department Mr Pádraic Mac Kernan this morning. They both expressed their regret at the controversy of recent days as they had in their telephone conversation of Saturday last. The meeting, which lasted for forty five minutes, was conducted in a very friendly atmosphere and covered a wide range of current issues.
After their meeting, the Minister and the Secretary General met the Management Advisory Committee, MAC, of the Department.
One of the first items they discussed was the question of promotions in the Department. The Minister asked the Secretary General to pursue consultations with all concerned, including the relevant unions. The Secretary General will report back as soon as possible.
In their meeting with the MAC, the Minister and the Secretary General also reviewed, among other things, recent developments in Kosovo, the campaign to win a seat on the Security Council, the NPT resolution, progress on EU business including Agenda 2000, bi-lateral trade issues and Ireland's Development Aid programme. The Minister also informed the MAC of his recent meeting with the Canadian Foreign Minister, Mr Lloyd Axworthy, during which Canada asked Ireland to join with them and Norway in pursuing the issue of Human Security, and enhancing international humanitarian law.
Stressing that their recent difficulties were now behind them the Minister and the Secretary General confirmed their determination to work together in the continuing implementation of Irish foreign policy.
