Taoiseach outlines programme for EU presidency

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has outlined Ireland’s programme for the EU presidency in an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg this morning.

Mr Ahern told MEPs that Ireland would use the six-month presidency to push for agreement on the details of a proposed EU constitution. He said he would seize the opportunity if his consultations suggested a real prospect for agreement on the document.

Mr Ahern also said that Ireland would press ahead with the EU’s enlargement agenda during the coming six months and would try to improve security in Europe, crack down on criminal elements and promote job creation.