Vol. 486 No. 1
321 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, currently being considered by the Council of Ministers for the maintenance of open borders in the event of industrial disputes and for a system of organised detours of corridors; if she will give an indication of Ireland's position on these proposals; and when they will be adopted. [1403/98]
At the Internal Market Council on 27 November 1997 Commissioner Monti presented a proposal for a Council Regulation under Article 235 of the Treaty which would create a mechanism for the Commission to intervene with a member state in the event of serious obstruction to the free movement of goods in that member state. The Council has requested Coreper to examine the draft regulation. Interdepartmental consultations have been initiated to assess the implications of the proposal.
At the Transport Council on 11 December 1997 Commissioner Kinnock indicated that the establishment of international transit routes or "corridors" was one of a number of suggestions put forward by member states and trade interests. One of Commissioner Kinnock's concerns in relation to the proposal is that, in the absence of agreement between the police and protesters, the corridors could become the focus for blockades and confrontations.
Ireland would welcome any legal and practical means which would assist in maintaining free movement of goods and people which is a central principle of the treaties.
