Phil Hogan
Ceist:118 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health the initiatives, if any, he will be taking, legislative or otherwise, to comply with the terms of the Maastricht Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Maastricht Treaty.
As the Deputy is aware, the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty has not yet been completed in all member states. The Treaty in so far as it relates to health, provides for joint action by the member states and the Commission and this will be more effective than individual action at national level. Discussions are ongoing with our EC partners on the measures to be taken in this context. Progress on these discussions is likely to accelerate once the ratification process has been completed.