The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, travelled to Brussels today to address the European Parliament.
Mr Ahern was expected to use the opportunity to stress Ireland's positive approach to the European Union and to address issues confronting Europe's future direction.
Mr Ahern was also due to meet the President of the European Parliament, Josep Borrell, and Irish MEPs.
The Taoiseach said it would be an honour to address the only directly-elected, multi-national legislative body in the world.
Mr Ahern said the significance of the Parliament in today's Europe was borne out recently by the role it played in ensuring that a compromise was reached on the Services Directive.
