asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he will give a commitment that debates on EEC affairs will be held on a regular basis particularly in view of the Commission's proposals to introduce a super-levy and in view of the importance of the forthcoming EEC Summit in Athens; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Debates on EEC Affairs.
193.
The Deputy will be aware that under section 5 of the European Communities Act, 1972 the Government is required to report twice yearly to each House of the Oireachtas on developments in the European Communities. This commitment provides the Oireachtas with an opportunity to debate and review on a regular basis developments in the Community; and it also allows us to assess periodically how this country is or may be affected by these developments.
I am conscious of the fact that it has not always been possible to adhere to the timetable laid down for this reporting. However, the Government hope that it will be possible to provide on a more regular basis for these important debates in the future.
I also agree that the continuing post-Stuttgart negotiations on, inter alia, the future financing of the Community and the adaptation of the Common Agricultural Policy, make it all the more important that debates on central Community issues are held on a regular basis. As the Deputy will be aware, such debates were held recently in both the Dáil and Seanad.