Taoiseach in Strasbourg for final Presidency commitment

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will conclude his Presidency related commitments this morning when he addresses the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Speaking ahead of today's visit the Taoiseach said: "I will report on the outcome of the June European Council and on our sixth Presidency of the European Union.

"I will outline the important work we progressed across a whole range of areas during the six months of our Presidency including the enlargement of the European Union on 1 May, agreement on a new European Constitution, the nomination of the President of the Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and the development and enhancement of relations with the EU's key external partners.

"I will also underline our commitment to working closely with the current Netherlands Presidency which has the task now of carrying forward the work of the European Union in a range of critical areas," added Mr Ahern.