There was mixed reaction at the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs to the prospect of commercial sponsorship playing a role in Ireland's forthcoming European presidency from January to June 2004.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, said the Government saw the presidency as an "ideal opportunity" to highlight Ireland's economic success and promote trade and tourism.
"In keeping with its partnership approach and to encourage wider ownership and participation in the presidency, my Department is currently exploring the question of engaging the business community by inviting sponsorship of goods or services," he said. "This will increase the profile of Irish business while minimising the cost of the presidency to the Exchequer."
The committee chairman, Mr Gay Mitchell of Fine Gael, said it was "a departure in relation to State business being in any way sponsored by private interests". The committee should be kept informed as this "could give rise to undesirable practices".
Sen Feargal Quinn (Independent) said he was "fascinated" to hear about the possibility of sponsorship. "There are dangers in it, but clearly there are advantages in it as well," he said.
Mr Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Sinn Féin) deplored the idea. He appealed for any decision on sponsorship to be put to the Dáil. The role of parliament and the EU "shouldn't be tied in any way to commercial sponsorship".
The Minister said there had been "a limited amount" of sponsorship during Ireland's previous European presidency. People should not be worried about it bringing the presidency into disrepute, he said. "The whole idea is to add to the occasion rather than detract from it."
He had written to the "main business organisations inviting offers from their members", in line with the approach of other EU presidencies. "Sponsorship will be for goods and services only - no cash sponsorship will be accepted." He said Ireland would hold the presidency at "a historic moment", namely the expected accession of 10 new member-states on May 1st, 2004.
Several committee members expressed concern that the terms of a new EU treaty agreed at the Convention on the Future of Europe might "unravel" during the Italian or subsequent Irish presidency.
Mr Cowen replied that the convention had been "an excellent model" compared to previous discussions about treaty changes, but he said the IGC was a conference of sovereign states and not "a rubber-stamping exercise".