Talks on trans-Atlantic business between the EU and US will take place today ahead of tomorrow's summit in Co Clare.
The so-called TransAtlantic Business Dialogue (TABD) meetings will be attended by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, the US Secretary of State for Commerce, Mr Donald Evans, the EU Commissioner for Enterprise, Mr Jan Figel, as well as the chief executives of some of the world's biggest international companies.
Issues under discussion will include the implications for trans-Atlantic trade of new US and EU anti-terrorist security controls, Intellectual Property Rights and measures to tackle counterfeiting. The meeting will also discuss International Accounting Standards and review developments in the World Trade Organisation Doha Development Round talks.
The Taoiseach and President of the European Council, Mr Ahern previewed today's meeting of the TransAtlantic Business Dialogue (TABD) in an article for the International Herald Tribunenewspaper.
"One of the core elements of the Irish European Union presidency program has been the trans-Atlantic relationship - which is hardly surprising, considering the strong investment, trade, foreign policy and economic links that exist between Europe and the United States," Mr Ahern wrote.
"I believe a close trans-Atlantic partnership is essential for prosperity and growth on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the broader international community. Working together, the European Union and the United States can be a formidable force for good in the world."