asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the priorities which he will adopt in respect of his Presidency of the Social Affairs Council of the European Community with particular reference to the implementation of the action programme to give effect to the Social Charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Social Charter.
55.
During my term as President-in-Office of the Council of Ministers I intend to give priority to measures concerning employment, vocational training and occupational safety and health of workers. These include measures to help the long-term unemployed, local employment initiatives, a programme for continuing in-company training and proposals for the protection of workers against hazardous conditions in the work place.
As regards the Community Charter on Fundamental Social Rights, I will deal comprehensively with that matter in my reply to Questions Nos. 13, 17, 24, 25, 46, 56, 57 and 77. That charter is expected to be adopted at the European Council in Strasbourg on 8-9 December. During the Irish Presidency I will commence consideration of individual measures included in the Commission's action programme. The particular measures to be discussed will depend on the timing of the submission of various Commission proposals to the Council.