Séamus Pattison
Ceist:23 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline his programme of work in the context of the Irish Presidency of the Council of Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Presidency.
During Ireland's Presidency of the European Council, I will chair five meetings of the Internal Market Council (including an informal meeting to be held in Ireland), two meetings of the Industry Council and one meeting of the Consumer Council. I will also chair an informal meeting in Ireland of EC Trade Ministers and participate in key meetings of the General Affairs Council dealing with the Uruguay Round and the development of GATT. The Minister of State for Science and Technology at my Department, Deputy Michael Smith, will chair two meetings of the Research Council.
In so far as the internal market is concerned, my objective will be to make progress across the broad front of proposals which are currently before the Council. Prominent among the issues which are likely to feature will be proposals in the areas of public procurement, insurance and company law.
My intention in relation to the Industry Council is to focus particularly on the development of SME's in the context of the Community's industrial development programme. The Council will also be considering developments in sectors such as electronics, steel, textiles, footwear and shipbuilding.
The major item for discussion at the Consumer Council will be the proposal for the harmonisation of member state's legislation in relation to the general safety of products.
The two meetings of the Research Council will be concentrating on the adoption of specific programmes for action under the second and third Framework Programmes.
These work programmes under the various councils are, of course, subject to change in the light of ongoing developments — for example, progress through Council working groups, availability of European Parliament opinions, etc.