EU Affairs Committee hear French, German and Spanish perspectives on Fiscal Treaty

French Ambassador Emmanuelle d’Achon said that the Treaty was seen in France as a necessary complement to the European Stability Mechanism – a commitment on behalf of Member States to fiscal responsibility.

Dr Eckhard Lübkemeier, Ambassador of Germany, in stating his country’s desire for a strong and stable Europe, explained that the Treaty was a vital step to easing the debt burden and restoring competitiveness.

Spanish Ambassador Javier Garrigues said that his Government believed that the Fiscal Compact appropriately balanced the need for fiscal consolidation and the introduction of stimulus to economic growth and job creation.

Chairman of the Committee Dominic Hannigan TD said: “Committee Members thank the Ambassadors for a productive meeting, in which the positions of three important European partners were articulated in a clear and robust manner. Ambassadors relayed the broadly positive image of Ireland’s approach to its crisis in their respective countries.

“Much of the discussion today focussed on the somewhat fraught issues around tax harmonisation and the issuing of Eurobonds. Committee Members, in forcefully putting forward Ireland’s stated position on both issues, believe that the exchanges enhance mutual understanding of our respective viewpoints.

“Reflecting an ongoing concern for this Committee, Members questioned the Spanish Ambassador on drawing down EU funding to curb youth unemployment, given that about one half of Spanish youth are unemployed. He agreed that it was a huge issue in Spain, with similarities to the situation here.  

“The Committee agree on the strong ownership role National Parliaments have to play in securing the EU’s future. We look forward to the Ambassadors’ help in allowing us share the current difficulties of our people with fellow parliamentarians in their respective capitals.

“There was a strong welcome among Committee Members for Tuesday’s announcement that the Fiscal Treaty will be put referendum and the Committee will lead a national debate in an open, honest and inclusive manner.”

Have your say: The EU Affairs Committee invites submissions from those who wish to make known their views on the EU Fiscal Treaty and its implications for Ireland.  View more and make a submission:  http://bit.ly/xMg2nJ

For further information please contact:  
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
F: +3531 618 4551

Committee on European Union Affairs Membership
Deputies
Dominic Hannigan, TD (Chairman)
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Timmy Dooley, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
Colm Keaveney, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
Joe O’Reilly, TD
Mick Wallace, TD
Senators
Colm Burke,
Fidelma Healy Eames,
James Heffernan,
Terry Leyden,
Kathryn Reilly