Enda Kenny
Question:32 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on the EU Summit meeting on 20 March; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7971/03]
Written Answers. - EU Summits.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:63 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will comment on the outcome of the EU Social Summit in Brussels on 20 March. [7959/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 63 together.
Unfortunately, the Taoiseach was unable to attend the first formal meeting of the Tripartite Social Summit for Growth and Employment, held in Brussels earlier this year. Deputies may recall that this House had an extraordinary session that day. Deputy Frank Fahey, a Minister of State at my Department kindly attended on his behalf.
The Minister of State informed me that it was a successful meeting with the European social partners. Expectations were more than met. The social partners reported on how they are contributing to the Lisbon Agenda through their initiatives in areas such as collective bargaining, new technologies, flexible work organisation and life-long learning.
The summit also heard how the social partners have progressed their joint multi-annual work programme which runs from this year up to 2005. In particular, they highlighted their intention to work on issues such as employment, equal opportunities, corporate restructuring and education and training.
The reforms that lie at the heart of the Lisbon strategy are important for all EU citizens, not least those living here. These reforms are targeted at improving our competitiveness, increasing employment opportunities, removing barriers to trade, eliminating gender gaps, reducing the number of people in poverty or at risk of poverty, and achieving all these gains within a well protected natural environment. The summit plays a vital role in ensuring that the social partners are our allies in making progress on these goals.
On this occasion the summit did not make any decisions but the exchange of information and views was valuable. I support the summit's work and look forward to hosting the next one during the Irish Presidency.