Peter Barry
Ceist:11 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is proposed to invite the European Parliament to attend the Intergovernmental Conference to be held in the autumn.
Written Answers. - Intergovernmental Conference.
The question of the European Parliament's association with the work of the Intergovernmental Conference is the subject of ongoing discussion within the Council and between the Council and Parliament at the moment.
The General Affairs Council on 5 March heard a presentation from the President of the Parliament, Mr. Baron Crespo, on the issue of Parliament's role in the run-up to the Conference and at the IGC itself. As President of the Council, I will be taking up the matter again with Mr. Baron Crespo this week.
Under Article 236 of the Treaty of Rome, amendments to the Treaty are decided on by a Conference of representatives of the Governments of member states. It is hoped that agreement can be reached on a formula whereby Parliament's views on proposals for the Conference are taken into account.