Vol. 397 No. 5
72 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Labour if he has considered the recommendations of the Chanterie report on the priorities for action under the EC Social Charter; if he supports the priorities; the action he intends to take to support the implementation of these priorities in this country and throughout the Community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the recommendations of the Chanterie report and of the terms of the European Parliament Resolution drawn up on the basis of that report. I support the basic objective of the report and the resolution, which is to promote the social dimension of the Community. I should explain, however, that action by the social affairs council to implement the social charter must be on the basis of individual proposals put forward by the Commission under its right of initiative.
As indicated in my replies to earlier questions, I have undertaken a special initiative, following consultation with the other two Social Affairs Troika Ministers and the Social Affairs Commissioner, which is designed to ensure speedy consideration of the Commission proposals under the social charter action programme as they are submitted.
