Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 2

Written Answers. - EC Presidency.

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

22 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will outline the programme he intends to undertake in the context of the Irish Presidency of the European Council of Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism and Transport (Mr. S. Brennan)

The transport and tourism programme which I will be pursuing as President of the EC Council of Ministers is as follows.

The key elements of the Presidency Programme in relation to transport, which I have drawn up following consultation with the Commission, are: the second phase of liberalisation in air transport — both passenger and freight — and related dossiers concerning harmonisation of airline technical and social conditions, external policies in air transport and air traffic congestion; further liberalisation of road freight transport; liberalisation of road passenger transport; the development of the Community's railway policy; the Commission proposals for an integrated transport infrastructure programme for the Community; the ongoing negotiations about transit problems with Austria, Switzerland and Yugoslavia; further harmonisation of conditions of competition in road transport, and road safety.

In relation to tourism, I am disappointed at the lack of progress to date in the development of the Community tourism policy, particularly having regard to the single market objectives. I see an urgent need to give a higher priority to tourism on the Community agenda. I will be convening an informal meeting of EC Tourism Ministers in Ireand on 10-11 March next and I propose to use this opportunity to press for increased momentum in the development of Community tourism policy within the framework of Commission proposals.