asked the Minister for Labour whether, following the recent meeting of Social Affairs Ministers of the nine States of the enlarged EEC and the decision to organise a tripartite conference in April representing trade unions, employers and Governments to advance the European social programme, tripartite meetings on this topic, in preparation for the April meeting, have been arranged with the appropriate interests in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Social Programme.
52.
At a meeting of the Social Affairs Ministers of the Community, which I attended, with ministerial representatives of the other two acceeding countries on 9th November, the Commission was invited to commence preparatory work on a social programme for the Community, on the lines of the declaration contained in the communique issued after the Paris summit conference in October.
The Social Affairs Ministers indicated at that meeting that they wished to have the draft programme submitted by the Commission for examination by the Council of Ministers in February, 1973. It is envisaged that, following the council discussion, the proposals will be further examined by a conference to be held in the spring of 1973, which will be attended by representatives of the social partners, together with representatives of the Governments of member states and the Commission. It is further envisaged that the Council will endeavour, later in 1973, to take a decision on a social programme for the Community.
I have arranged to be kept in touch with developments in this matter and the action to be taken to enable Irish interests to take part in the discussions will be initiated at the appropriate time.