Vol. 491 No. 3
116 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 15 October 1997, the way in which responsibility delegated to Minister of State, Mr. T. Kitt, with regard to the Social Affairs Council is carried out; the activity, if any, carried out in this regard since his appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11897/98]
The Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) (No. 2) Order, 1997 (S.I. No. 330 of 1997) delegated to the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Tom Kitt, the statutory powers and duties of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment mentioned in the order. These include issues which are dealt with by the Social Affairs Council.
Since taking up appointment, I have attended three Social Affairs Councils and one informal joint meeting of Education and Social Affairs Ministers as follows:
7 October 1997: Luxembourg (Labour and Social Affairs Council)
15 December 1997: Brussels (Labour and Social Affairs Council)
12-13 March 1998: London (Informal Education and Social Affairs Council).
I also attended a ministerial meeting on 6 and 7 November 1998 in Brussels in preparation for the special European Council summit on employment.
I carry out my activity in relation to the Social Affairs Council in full co-operation with relevant Ministers and in consultation with all other interested parties as appropriate.
I am scheduled to attend the Joint EducationLabour and Social Affairs Council which is due to take place in Luxembourg on 3 and 4 June 1998.
