Tánaiste to address EU Parliament committee

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris will travel to Brussels today to meet with the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

The Tánaiste will outline Ireland’s priorities during its six months hosting of the EU presidency. The committee will hear that Ireland plans to prioritise competitiveness and security, while focusing on specific economic and financial plans.

This will include commitments under the 'One Europe, One Market’ Roadmap - a shared plan by the European Council, Parliament and Commission to boost growth and competitiveness by making it easier for businesses to operate across Europe.

In a statement, the Tánaiste said "I am very much looking forward to engaging with the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and having this opportunity to exchange views on Ireland’s Presidency priorities.

"The European Parliament is a critical partner for this work, and I look forward to substantive and cooperative engagement with MEPs as we move forward on our shared objectives," he added.

The Tánaiste’s visit comes as part of a wider Irish address to European Parliament committees.

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, will appear before the Committee on Development.

Minister Richmond will present Ireland’s Presidency priorities on development cooperation and humanitarian assistance.

Speaking ahead of the Committee, Minister Richmond said, "the global multilateral system is experiencing deep uncertainty at the moment due to the impact of significant budget cuts from partner countries. This uncertainty and volatility is having a hugely negative impact globally.

"At the committee this week I will be reinforcing that development assistance is not only the right thing to do - but it is also in all of our interests at home," he added.

"I look forward to continued close cooperation and engagement with the European Parliament throughout our EU Presidency," he said.