Seán Ryan
Question:65 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline his programme of work in the context of the Irish Presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Social Affairs Work Programme.
My first priority as President-in-Office of the Council of Social Affairs Ministers will be to promote measures to combat unemployment, especially long-term unemployment for which I am bringing forward a special initiative. I am giving priority also to measures concerning vocational training and the occupational safety and health of workers. I am confident that a number of such items will be ready for adoption at the Social Affairs Council on 29 May 1990.
As I have indicated in reply to other questions to-day, I am doing everything I can to ensure that the individual proposals in the social action programme following the adoption of the Community charter on fundamental social rights are brought forward by the Commission as soon as possible and that a firm timetable is set out for their consideration by the Social Affairs Council.
As part of the major programme of Community aid to central and eastern Europe, I will be progressing Community initiatives in the vocational training area, notably the establishment of a European training foundation.
I am promoting a Presidency resolution which I hope to have adopted on the protection of the dignity of workers at the workplace, which deals with the question of sexual harassment. I am hopeful that a Council resolution on racism and xenophobia can also be adopted at the May Social Affairs Council.