Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 5

Written Answers. - European Council Meeting.

Phil Hogan

Question:

39 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the initiative of German Chancellor Kohl for an extraordinary meeting of the European Council in October 1993, to press ahead with plans for further political and economic integration in the Community following ratification of the Maastricht Treaty; if he intends that Ireland should be in a position to participate in the European Monetary Union by the earliest date envisaged in the Maastricht Treaty, that is, 1 January 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

President Mitterrand and Chancellor Kohl met on 2 June and called for an extraordinary European Council to be convened when the Maastricht Treaty is finally ratified, in order to consider the future direction of European integration. France and Germany have not yet formally conveyed this suggestion to their partners.

Ireland is prepared to give positive consideration to the proposals which, in the first instance, is a matter for the Presidency.

With regard to European Monetary Union, it is the Government's intention that Ireland should be among the first group of countries to participate in the third stage, which as the Deputy says, could begin as early as 1 January 1977. It is following the necessary policies towards that end.