asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in respect of the 1992 European project and the completion of the internal market and in respect of the 279 directives which together comprise the legislative task necessary to give legal effect towards the completion of the internal market, he will give the following information in so far as it impacts upon his Department: (i) the number of directives that have been passed and the title of each directive so categorised; (ii) the number of directives which remain to be passed and the title of each directive so categorised and (iii) the number of directives which have been passed, delayed or otherwise held up as a consequence of reservations entered by his Department; if, in respect of such delays or reservations, he will give details of the Irish position; the action, if any, he proposes to take in order to ensure that the 1992 project is achieved and Ireland's interests are safeguarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Directives.
My Department co-ordinate the national position on three directives arising in the area of the completion of the internal market for which specific responsibility is spread over a number of Departments.
These directives concern rights of residence for students, retired people and other economically non-active persons. The proposals were introduced only in the last few weeks and have not yet been the subject of detailed negotiation. However, Ireland has expressed support for the overall aim of the proposals which is to make it easier for the three categories of people concerned to obtain right of residence within the Community.
The proposals replaced an earlier draft directive on rights of residence which had been on the table since 1979 and on which we had negotiated constructively until it was withdrawn by the Commission in May because of failure to find consensus on the draft in Council.
Ireland has adopted a positive and supportive attitude towards the measures required to complete the internal market by 1992 and will continue to do so while, at the same time, of course, being careful to ensure that our national interests are safeguarded.