andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment the meetings, if any, he has attended of the EEC Council of Ministers since 21 March 1979 and in respect of each meeting (a) the date, (b) the agenda, (c) the decision taken, (d) when the next meeting is to take place and the matters to be discussed at that meeting.
Written Answers. - Council of Ministers Meetings.
117.
Following is the reply:
|
Date of Council |
Agenda Item |
Decisions or Outcome |
|
9 April 1979 |
Political exchange of views on the development of the community environment policy |
A general policy debate was held and the Commision was requested to submit proposals for action by Council and/or continue its examination of the following four subjects: |
|
—environmental impacts assessment; |
||
|
—European convention on the quality of life; |
||
|
—clean technologies; |
||
|
—waste management. |
||
|
Views were also noted on the following: |
||
|
—policy to combat atmospheric pollution in the community; |
||
|
—protection and improvement of the environment with particular regard to wooded and protected areas and hydrogeological balance; |
||
|
—Harrisburg nuclear power station accident; |
||
|
—implementation of Directive on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community. |
||
|
19 June 1979 |
Proposal for a Directive on the protec- tion of groundwater. |
The Council agreed in principle to this Directive. |
|
Proposal for a Directive on the quality of water for shellfish. |
The Council agreed in principle to this Directive. |
|
|
Proposal for a Directive on methods of measurement and frequencies of sampling and analysis of the parameters of the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water. |
The Council agreed in principle to this Directive. |
|
|
Proposal for a Directive on health pro- tection standards for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates in urban atmospheres. |
The Council asked the Committee of Permanent Representatives to consider certain outstanding problems further. |
|
|
Proposal for a Directive amending for the sixth time the 1967 Directive on the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances. |
The Directive was agreed in principle. |
|
|
Statement by Commissioner on theimplementation of the Community's Action Programme on the control and reduction of pollution caused by hybdrocarbons discharged at sea. |
The statement was noted by the Council. |
The next Council meeting is expected to be held on 3 December 1979. The agenda has yet to be decided on.
118.
andMr. Mitchell asked the Minister for Labour the meetings, if any, he has attended of the EEC Council of Ministers since 21 March 1979 and in respect of each meeting (a) the date, (b) the agenda, (c) the decisions taken, (d) when the next meeting is to take place and the matters to be discussed at that meeting.
I attended the Council of EEC Ministers of Social Affairs on 15 May 1979. Details of the main agenda items and decisions taken at the meeting are as follows:
1. Social Security for Migrant Workers
No decision was reached on a proposed Council Regulation on the extension to self-employed workers of Regulation No. 1408/71. The Council decided to resume its discussion of the issue at its next meeting.
2. Protection of Employees in the event of the Insolvency of their employer
The Council agreed on the substance of a directive on the approximation of laws relating to the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. The Commission is to draft an annex to the directive listing certain exclusions from its scope. The directive will then be formally adopted by the Council.
3. Second Programme for the Exchange of Young Workers
The Council agreed in principle to a draft Decision on a second Joint Programme to encourage the exchange of young workers within the Community.
4. The adjustment of Working Hours
The Council adopted conclusions requestion the Commission to continue its studies and analyses in this area with a view to establishing a Community framework for work sharing and to submit any appropriate proposals.
5. Improving Relations with both sides of industry
The Council noted the Commission's communication in the matter and instructed the Permanent Representative Committee to examine further the Commission's communication in order to finalise an improved working method for Community tripartite meetings.
6. Commission Report on the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women
This Report was noted by the Council.
7. Consultation on migration policies vis-á-vis third countries
The Council instructed the Permanent Representatives Committee to examine the Commission communication in this matter and submit the results of its deliberations at a future meeting of the Council.
8. Social Aspects of Iron and Steel Policy
The Council noted a Commission memorandum on the social aspects of the restructuring of the iron and steel industry and a proposed Commission decision on the creation of special temporary allowances to help workers in the iron and steel industry under the Community's restructuring programme. The Permanent Representatives Committee was instructed to examine the texts submitted by the Commission and to submit the results of its deliberations at a later meeting after the ECSC Consultative Committee had given its opinion.
If the Deputy wishes to have more detailed information on the decisions taken at the Council I will arrange to furnish him with a copy of the Council's official press release.
It is anticipated that the next Social Affairs Council will take place on 27 November 1979. The agenda for that meeting has not yet been decided.
119.
andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Gaeltacht the meetings, if any, he has attended of the EEC Council of Ministers since 21 March 1979 and in respect of each meeting (a) the date (b) the agenda (c) the decisions taken (d) when the next meeting is to take place and the matters to be discussed at that meeting.
Níor fhreastail mé ar aon chruinniú den Chomhairle sin.