Vol. 397 No. 9
1 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if the proposed Intergovernmental Conference to revise the European Treaties should confine itself to institutional issues concerned with economic and monetary union or, alternatively, cover a wide agenda including possible treaty amendments involving political co-operation, education and other matters not sufficiently covered in existing treaties.
6 Mr. Barry asked the Taoiseach if it is proposed at the EC Summit meeting in Dublin that a formal decision will be taken to establish a high level committee to bring forward proposals regarding European political union.
7 Mr. Barry asked the Taoiseach if, in his recent discussions with the Heads of State or Government, it was suggested that the EC should adopt a common position on security.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 1, 6 and 7 together.
It is not the practice, nor would it be appropriate, to disclose in reply to Parliamentary Questions, details of confidential discussions at the level of Head of State or Government, or to anticipate the outcome of the discussions at the special informal meeting of the European Council to be held on 28 April.
Without disclosing any private consultations, will the Tánaiste simply state what the Government's policy is on whether the Inter-governmental Conference that is proposed to revise the treaties should concern itself solely with economic and monetary union or should concern itself with the wider issue of political co-operation, extension of the competence of the Community to include education and matters of this kind?
The Taoiseach has already stated publicly that the Summit will set a date for a second Inter-governmental Conference which will work in parallel to that on monetary union. This will be held before the end of the year to discuss political union. The progression proposed is that the conference on economic and monetary union will take place and there will be a separate conference on political union. Both will take place before the end of the year.
Would the Tánaiste agree that it is in the interests of Ireland, in view of the fact that we have a much higher dependency ratio than any other country, that there should be equal progress in extending the Treaty of Rome to include matters like education to enable us, with our extra budgetary responsibilities in that area, to receive assistance from the Community, given that we would suffer from some of the other dimensions of the Single Market? Will the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach ensure that there is equally fast progress on both aspects?
These are matters that will be considered in preparing the agenda for the two Intergovernmental Conferences. The Deputy's point is a valid one and will be considered.
Would the Tánaiste agree with me that it is a bit of a farce for him to say he cannot reveal the content of private discussions to this House when the Belgian Prime Minister has said he wants the meeting this weekend to discuss security and defence and when Chancellor Kohl and President Mitterrand have both said they want to enlarge it to include matters such as the political integration of Europe? Frequently it happens that this House is the last to hear anything officially but we have to read things in the papers that should be discussed on the floor of this House. Will the Tánaiste facilitate the debate that will take place after the Summit by allowing contributions from more than just the leaders of the parties? In other words I am asking for a full debate, not just statements on this very important Summit that is to take place this weekend.
That matter can be considered. In regard to the first part of the Deputy's question, the Summit is promised. While points of view can be made known at this stage we should await the outcome of the discussions rather than engage in speculation. The parameters of the debate to take place after the Summit will have to be considered and Deputy Barry's point will be taken into account.
Would the Tánaiste not agree it is ridiculous that he cannot answer that question in this House even though the Prime Minister of Belgium, immediately after the meeting with the Taoiseach, gave a press conference at which he said that he wished to see defence and security discussed at the Summit next weekend in Dublin? In spite of that, the Tánaiste will not indicate to this House whether that matter will be on the agenda.
Of course these matters will be discussed but I cannot pre-empt these discussions by speculating here on their outcome. That is what the Deputy wants me to do.
Is there any intention to discuss at the Summit the problems of Lithuania?
That is a separate matter.
The Foreigh Ministers have already met in the past few days in Dublin on that matter and have issued a comprehesive statement on the Community position.
The Tánaiste has not replied to my question.
