Peter Barry
Question:186 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Finance if he will endeavour to ensure that, in the negotiations for the 1992 EC Budget, the proposed reduction in the consumer's budget will not take place.
Written Answers. - EC Budget Negotiations.
I am aware of the situation in relation to the EC budgetary provisions for consumer protection and the promotion of consumer interests. During the first reading of the 1992 draft budget, Ireland fully supported the provisions proposed by the EC Commission. Unfortunately, there was not a qualified majority to include the full amounts proposed by the Commission in the draft budget which the Council submitted to the European Parliament.
In the event that the European Parliament proposes the restoration of the original amounts or similar, Ireland will, of course, support any such proposals.
It should be noted that, in accordance with the provisions of the EEC Treaty governing the budgetary procedure, the European Parliament rather than the Council will have the final say over the expenditure in question. In this connection, the Department of Finance, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, has advised Irish MEPs of the interest which Irish consumer groups have in the expenditure concerned.