The Minister for European Affairs, Mr. Dick Roche, T.D. met his French counterpart, Minister Jean-Pierre Jouyet, today in Druids Glen, Wicklow.

The Ministers discussed a range of issues, including the Common Agricultural Policy, the Reform Treaty and the EU budget review. The meeting follows on from discussions between the Taoiseach and President Sarkozy in September in France.

Minister Roche said: "Our discussions centred on EU issues, in particular agriculture, the Reform Treaty and the EU budget review. The Taoiseach’s recent meeting with President Sarkozy was very productive and I welcomed the opportunity to make progress with Minister Jouyet on several areas identified as key for close cooperation between Ireland and France".

ENDS +++

26 October 2007

Press Office