Liam Aylward
Question:6 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the decision, if any, regarding the internal market which were made during Ireland's Presidency of the EU; and if so, the effects on our trade and exports. [2502/97]
Other Questions. - Internal Market.
The principal decisions relating to the Internal Market taken by the Internal Market Council at its meetings on 25 October and 26 November 1996, which I chaired, were: approval of a directive on the protection of occupants of motor vehicles in the event of a frontal impact; adoption of a Council Resolution on the simplification and rationalisation of the Community's customs regulations and procedures; a decision authorising the Commission to negotiate, on behalf of the EU, an agreement concerning customs co-operation with Norway; common positions on two amending directives in the area of public procurement contracts; and a common position on a directive concerning extraction solvents used in the production of foodstuffs. Both Councils approved without discussion a large number of other decisions, some relating to the work of other Councils.
During the October meeting Ministers met with their counterparts of the ten Central and Eastern European countries as part of the structured dialogue process to assist these countries to prepare for integration into the EU's Single Market.
The November Council held an open debate on the Commission's review of the impact and effectiveness of the Single Market. Delegations expressed views in particular with regard to stressing the importance of the single currency for the Single Market; promoting convergence and generating employment through increased competition as a key to improved international competitiveness in a world wide economy; promoting and extending the opportunities for business and citizens to take advantage of the Single Market; recognising that the protection of consumers is a common concern in the context of the Single Market; ensuring mutual recognition of rules and regulations and the proper enforcement of Community rules across the entire Single Market; simplifying Community rules and regulations; and responding to the requirements of tomorrow's economy by extending the Single Market to new areas of products and services.
The Commission's review was subsequently discussed at the Dublin European Council on 13 and 14 December 1996 which stressed the essential role of the Single Market in promoting growth and employment in the European Union. The European Council noted the Commission's intention to submit before the Amsterdam European Council an action plan and a timetable covering all necessary measures that must be taken to ensure that the full potential of the Single Market is achieved before the beginning of stage 3 of economic and monetary unions.
The November Internal Market Council also noted the success of the Commission's Simpler Legislation for the Internal Market, known as the SLIM initiative, in which expert teams examined options and made a number of important recommendations for legislative simplification in the areas of construction products, recognition of diplomas, Intrastat and the marketing of ornamental plants. The Council adopted conclusions which request the Commission to come forward with proposals in these four areas and also to identify other sectors of legislation which might benefit from review in a second phase of the SLIM exercise. This approach was endorsed by the Dublin European Council.
The Citizens First information campaign, designed to inform citizens of the rights and opportunities created for them by the Single Market, was launched in Brussels on 26 November.
All of the decisions taken at the two Internal Market Councils and the European Council will, in their own way, contribute to the consolidation and development of the Single Market which is so important to our exporters as it provides access to a market of 370 million consumers and accounts for 70 per cent of total exports.
Will the Minister agree that, apart from the Commission's review and the simplification of customs procedures, progress has been painfully slow in completing the internal market and that the SLIM initiative is inadequate in addressing the major issues of concern to those involved in trade in the European Union? Much more progress needs to be made quickly.
During the Irish Presidency two Internal Market Councils were held. They had full agendas which were approved. This did not happen during other Presidencies. I do not know whether the Deputy will ever have the opportunity to chair the Council of Trade Ministers or an Internal Market Council but it is a daunting task. In dealing with issues such as these, as Deputy Andrews is well aware, it takes considerable time to obtain the approval and agreement of all 15 member states. There may be many more when the Deputy has the opportunity to chair the Council.
Does the Minister agree that progress has been slow?
The four areas mentioned were chosen because they were the common denominator of the requests made by member states. Commissioner Monti and his officials did a good job. They responded as quickly as possible. The SLIM initiative is in response to the request for simpler and more effective legislation. The Commission, the Parliament and the Council agree with this objective which will be difficult to achieve. The initiative which has proved successful will be extended to other areas.
What the Minister is saying, in effect, is that, regardless of who is in the chair, worthwhile progress is unlikely to be made in dealing with these issues because of the structures in place. The Government should find a new means of dealing with them, given their importance to exporters.
The strong point of the Irish Presidency was the strength of leadership given by the Government. It was run efficiently and professionally, and its achievements have been recognised by other member states. It set achievable targets and objectives and did not get bogged down in intricacies. The Taoiseach and the various Ministers who will participate in Council meetings will pursue these issues and keep in mind the achievements of the two Internal Market Councils held during the Irish Presidency which I had the honour and privilege of chairing. Some progress was made in pursuit of the objective of simpler legislation.