Martin Cullen
Question:25 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Finance his priorities for his term as President of the EU Finance Ministers; the new initiatives, if any, he intends proposing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11614/96]
Written Answers. - Irish Presidency Priorities.
As has been previously stated by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in reply to a question from Deputy Ahern on 25 April 1996, the preparation of the Irish Presidency Programme, which includes the programme of the ECOFIN and Budget Councils which come within the remit of my Department, is under way. It will be finalised in the light of the work done under the Italian Presidency.
I would also refer the Deputy to the Tánaiste's reply to a question from Deputy Callely on 30 April 1996 which outlined the priorities of the Irish Presidency, including the main priority issues which come under my remit, at some length.
The priorities for my Department will be: preparations for stage 3 of economic and monetary union, employment, the fight against fraud, taxation issues, financial services issues and the processing of the 1997 EU budget.
The report under Article 130b of the Treaty on European Union is also likely to be published during the Irish Presidency and we will be monitoring ongoing developments in this area in the context of the future financing of the Union.