Vol. 426 No. 5
1 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach when the next EC Heads of Government meeting will take place; if the question of economic, monetary and political union is likely to be on the agenda; the role he intends to play; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The next scheduled meeting of the European Council will be on 21-22 June in Copenhagen and it will be for Denmark, as the member state currently holding the EC Presidency, to propose, in the first instance, the subjects for discussion. It is, of course, too early to speculate with any great degree of accuracy on the subjects for discussion — so much depends on what happens in the coming months, including in other Community fora.
Indeed, this is the reason the Presidency makes its proposals available only very shortly before European Council meetings. However, it is quite likely that when we meet in Copenhagen in June, the European Council will wish to review progress towards economic, monetary and political union.
I can also assure the Deputy that if circumstances require it, I shall most certainly seek to have this matter discussed at the meeting. If the Deputy needs any reassurance on that score, I would remind him that in my relatively short time as a member of the European Council, I have not been shy in seeking to influence the agenda or outcome of these meetings where Ireland's best interests or those of the Community so require.
Does the Taoiseach see himself being in a position to initiate procedures where greater emphasis will be placed on the need for European convergence in the areas mentioned in the question? Does he see himself playing a major role having regard to recent financial and monetary difficulties?
I certainly do. In the final analysis the agenda is a matter for the Presidency. The Deputy can be assured that not alone will I avail of every opportunity to follow the whole area of convergence but the Minister for Finance at the meeting of ECOFIN will do so also. It is an important matter to be followed up in Ireland's interest and, indeed, in the interests of the Community.
Does the Taoiseach expect that Denmark and the United Kingdom will have ratified the Maastricht Treaty by the time of that meeting?
One would hope the Danish people will vote "yes" on this occasion. That is a matter for them. I would not speculate on when the British Parliament will finalise ratification of the Maastricht Treaty.
Does the Taoiseach expect the Social Chapter to be on the agenda for the June meeting in view of the fact that the British Parliament may decide to incorporate it into their ratification of the Treaty?
It is too early to speculate on what may or may not happen in the House of Commons or what the agenda for the meeting at the end of June may contain.
If the Social Chapter is incorporated — I am not too sure what the Taoiseach's attitude would be to that — would that require a further review of the Treaty by this House?
Ireland has subscribed to the Social Charter. That is the position and it has not changed.
(Limerick East): Does the Taoiseach think the Department of Foreign Affairs should have a central role as we progress towards economic and monetary union or is he of the view that there is sufficient expertise in the Department of Finance to carry out the negotiations on behalf of the Government?
I am sure the Deputy is aware of the various ministries for foreign affairs throughout the Community play their own role in the lead up to any European Council meeting and that includes the general affairs meeting preceding it.
In view of the major unemployment crisis facing Europe, and the long term unemployment crisis facing many homes in Europe, would the Taoiseach use his position to encourage the Danish Presidency to hold a special EC Heads of State meeting to tackle this serious problem?
I have raised the very serious question of unemployment not alone in Ireland but throughout the Community at the Birmingham Summit. A special initiative was taken at the Edinburgh Summit. I will avail of an early meeting with the Danish Prime Minister to discuss that matter. It is a very serious problem not alone here but throughout the Community where projections are that approximately 17 million people will be out of work by the end of this year. That is a matter that has to be tackled by the Community working together. Arrangements are being finalised for an early meeting between the Danish Prime Minister and myself in Dublin and I will raise that matter with him.
Would the Taoiseach agree that it is necessary for the European Community to reaffirm its commitment to the whole concept of European Union and all that goes with it?
I do not regard that as necessary. We are all committed to it. Chancellor Kohl said the other day that in his view, if necessary, the ten members should go ahead if the other two members decided not to do so.
What is the Taoiseach's view as to whether that is legally possible?
There are different legal views in relation to it. The legal matters I will leave to the legal services.
What is the Taoiseach's view?
I have already expressed it to this House.
