Phil Hogan
Question:48 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there is any line in the Maastricht Treaty that has been the result of an Irish initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Maastricht Treaty.
Ireland took an active role in the negotiations which led to the Treaty on European Union. Irish concerns and proposals are reflected in a number of provisions in the Treaty.
Ireland's concerns on economic and social cohesion were taken up in a number of amendments to the EEC Treaty provisions on this subject. Irish proposals which were accepted include, for example, the provision that the achievement of economic and social cohesion should be among the tasks of the Community (Article 2) and the provision that the cohesion dimension be taken into account in the formulation as well as the implementation of Community policy (Article 130b).
Ireland also took initiatives in the field of education, culture and public health. In the field of education, Ireland proposed an Article (Article 126), the main features of which were accepted by our partners. These included developing the European dimension in education, particularly language teaching and dissemination, student and teacher mobility and co-operation between education establishments.
In the area of public health the Government decided to table a draft Article (Article 129) for incorporation in the new Treaty so as to provide for a specific competence for the Community in this important sector and the Irish proposal is reflected in the text as agreed at Maastricht.
Finally, Ireland strongly favoured inserting a specific Article (Article 128) on culture into the Treaty. Together with the Commission Ireland contributed to the drafting of this new Article which emphasises that the Community will respect the national and regional diversity of the cultures of the member states whilst stressing the common cultural heritage of all the peoples of Europe.