asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Irish Government intends to raise the priority issue of unemployment at the Athens Summit in view of the fact that the Council is to review the reform of existing policies and the control of budgetary expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Athens Summit.
194.
The Stuttgart European Council last June made it clear that, in the present negotiations on the future of the European Community, "employment policy, in particular concerning young people" should have a high priority. The Taoiseach argued strongly in favour of this requirement on that occasion. Subsequently, at the Special Ministerial Councils established by Stuttgart, I forcefully and consistently made the point that it is vital that our negotiations should lead to urgent and effective action being taken to respond to the growing unemployment problem in Europe, expecially youth unemployment.
The discussions at the Athens European Council did not, however, develop to the stage where detailed consideration was given to this issue. The Deputy can be assured, however, that it retains the highest priority of the Government.