asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the dangers posed to employment within the Irish economy as a result of the completion of the internal market; the specific steps he has taken to ensure that the progress towards the target date of 1992 will not result in undue hardship on existing levels of employment in Ireland; if his Department in conjunction with other Government Departments have formally consulted with the various sectors of Irish industry with a view to ensuring, either by derogation or special protective measures, that the overall objectives of the Single European Act with regard to the clauses relating to social cohesion would not be determined by a hasty or ill-thought-out or ill-defended position on the completion of the internal market being agreed to by the Irish Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Single European Act.
Ireland's consistent approach to the overall concept and the specific proposals involved in completing the community's internal market has been to consult with the sectors involved and to take all aspects into account in determining our position both from the point of view of increasing opportunities for our business people and for employment generally and to protect all our legitimate interests including employment.
Irish exporters of goods and services may be expected to benefit by the removal of existing barriers to trade and the elimination of hidden protectionism which tend to be more entrenched on mainland Europe. In addition, Irish participation in the process of completing the Community's internal market will enhance our long term attractiveness as a location for industrial investment for both indigenous and overseas investors.
While we are anxious to eliminate obstacles to further export growth to the Community, I can assure the Deputy that in areas where we have difficulties, Ireland is already opposing to a greater or lesser degree the Commission's proposals or is seeking a derogation.
The completion of the internal market is an end desirable in itself. Great importance also attaches to the achievement of parallel, worthwhile economic and social cohesion. In this connection I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a Dáil question on 4 November by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs wherein he was informed that "since taking office, the Government have pursued a consistent policy of ensuring that the achievement of economic and social cohesion...is pursued in parallel with the completion of the Internal Market". I would also refer the Deputy to section 1 of the Programme for National Recovery which deals, inter alia, with our approach to economic and social cohesion.