Vol. 491 No. 3
67 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on discussions within the EU Internal Market Council in relation to transport blockades; and the decision, if any, she has made to intervene in future blockades. [8372/98]
At the meeting of the EU Internal Market Council on 18 May 1998 a proposal for a Council regulation and an accompanying Council resolution to create an intervention mechanism to eliminate certain obstacles to trade, such as transport blockades, was agreed. Ireland fully supported the proposal. The proposal will now be forwarded to the European Parliament for consideration. When adopted, it will allow for rapid intervention by the European Commission, acting on its own initiative or at the request of a member state, in disputes or protests which block access to the EU Internal Market.
I have already outlined, in replies to previous parliamentary questions, the action I have taken where obstacles have been placed in the way of the free movement of Irish goods in other member states. I will have no hesitation in taking similar action in future, if necessary.
