asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government has set a date for the European elections following the European Parliament's selection of the date of 8-11 June 1989.
23.
Written Answers. - European Parliament Elections.
19.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether agreement has been reached by the EC Council of Ministers on dates for the next election to the European Parliament and on a uniform system of election.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 23 together. The Foreign Affairs Council on 25-26 April debated the issue of suitable dates for the European Parliament elections in 1989. Agreement was not reached and a number of member states have difficulties with the dates of 8-11 June 1989 suggested by the Parliament. Some support was expressed for alternative dates. The issue will be further discussed at the next Council on 24-25 May.
Ireland has no difficulty with the time period for the elections suggested by the Parliament and we have supported it in the Council. If the dates 8-11 June are finally accepted by the Council, Ireland's elections would take place on Thursday, 8 June 1989.
The general question of a uniform electoral procedure was discussed without agreement prior to the 1984 European Parliament elections. It is a matter for the Parliament to put forward a new proposal on the issue for consideration by the Council. To date it has not done so.