Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - European Integration.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

34 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs , the measures, if any, he proposes to take at EC Council of Ministers level to advance the cause of European Integration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

In the Treaty on European Union, the Council of Ministers has a clear agenda for the mid-nineties. The treaty contains extensive and far reaching provisions to implement further integration in the political, social and economic fields.

As the first member state to approve the treaty, Ireland made clear its commitment to the agenda which is established in the treaty. I hope that those member states which have still to ratify will complete their arrangements without undue delay so that implementation can proceed. Implementing the treaty will provide the Community with a considerable challenge. Ireland will be giving a particular emphasis to those provisions which have the effect of improving the lot of the Community's citizens and to strengthening its role in the world.