Cowen heads to EU summit on global financial crisis
The Taoiseach is heading to Brussels today for an EU summit that is set to be dominated by the ongoing financial crisis across the world.
Brian Cowen will be joined on the trip by Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin and Finance Minister Brian Lenihan.
Delegates will be attempting to prepare a co-ordinated EU position ahead of a G20 summit in London next month to address the global crisis.
A series of draft proposals have already been put forward by the Czech government, which currently holds the EU presidency.
Elsewhere, European Affairs Minister Dick Roche will also be updating his EU colleagues about the Government's plans for a re-run of the Lisbon Treaty referendum.
“Discussions at the European Council will focus on the global economic and financial situation, energy and climate change and external relations,” said a Government spokesman.
“On the global economy, the Taoiseach will take the opportunity to report on his discussions with US president Barack Obama this week.
“The Taoiseach will also update his colleagues on the Lisbon Treaty and the development of guarantees for Ireland.”
Mr Cowen is also due to speak at a reception hosted with Microsoft, entitled Investing for the Future.
The Taoiseach is expected to outline Ireland’s response to the global economic crisis by referencing the Government’s Framework for a Smart Economy, which was published in December.
The blueprint aims at maximising the potential for innovation, enhancing the environment and securing energy supplies.
Other aims of the Framework include investing in critical infrastructure and promoting and efficient and effective public services.
