asked the Minister for Labour the principal concerns he has been addressing within the Council of Social Affairs Ministers since taking office.
Written Answers. - Council of Social Affairs.
20.
My principal concern in discussions within the council has been the promotion of measures to create employment and reduce unemployment. I have pressed for priority to be given by the council to such measures and, in particular, to the adoption of an action programme providing for more Community resources to tackle long-term unemployment.
My other main concern has been to press for enlargement in the resources of the European Social Fund and for improvements in the benefits of the fund to the less developed Community regions, including Ireland. The negotiations on this issue have, however, taken place as part of the negotiations in relation to the reform of the Structural Funds in the General Affairs Council.
Among the other matters decided by the Social Affairs Council during my term as Minister for Labour have been a decision concerning an action programme for the vocational training of young people and their preparation for adult and working life, a resolution on safety, hygiene and health at work and, finally, agreement on a common position on an amended proposal for a directive on the protection of workers through the barring of certain specified agents and/or work activities. In discussions on these matters, I have ensured that Ireland's interests were made known and taken into account in the decisions reached.