Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 2

Written Answers. - EU Presidency.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

26 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Welfare in view of Ireland's forthcoming Presidency of the Intergovernmental Conference in 1996, the plans or proposals, if any, which have been developed for EU meetings regarding social welfare issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16745/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

I intend to pursue an active programme during the Irish Presidency. I will be hosting an informal Council meeting of European Ministers for Social Security to focus attention on those issues which will be of relevance and importance both at national and European level. This meeting will be held right at the start of our Presidency on 10-11 July 1996.

I am also holding, as part of my programme of work, two major conferences in conjunction with the institutions of the European Union. Initial planning is under way for the first which is entitled "Social Security: Beyond Equal Treatment" and which will take place on 10-12 October 1996. This conference is being co-hosted by my Department and the EU Commission with input from the social security sub-group of the EU Network of Experts on the Implementation of the Equality Directives.

The second conference "New Directions in Social Welfare" will be held on 14-16 November 1996 and is being co-hosted with the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. The aim of this conference is to support a constructive debate at European level on the challenges facing the welfare state.

Two formal Social Affairs Council meetings at ministerial level will take place on 24 September 1996 and 2 December 1996. The issues covered by social affairs are not solely my responsibility. Many of them are the responsibility of my ministerial colleagues in the Departments of Enterprise and Employment, Equality and Law Reform, Health and Education. The Deputy will, no doubt, be aware that the eventual agenda of the social affairs portfolio during Ireland's Presidency of the European Union in 1996 will be shaped by the Commission's work programme and the dossiers handed down by the outgoing Italian Presidency. However, the following concerns may well be foremost during our Presidency in relation to my area of responsibility: advancement of anti-poverty issues; stimulating the debate with fellow member states on a number of fronts dealing with the future of social protection. The European Commission has adopted a communication on this issue which seeks to explore, in a positive framework, the major strategic issues facing member states within the EU, such as financing of social protections; the effects of demographic changes and new emerging social trends; the need to impact positively on unemployment; employment; freedom of movement and social protection in the single market.

The Secretary of my Department will also be hosting one of the regular meetings of the Directors-General of Social Security in the EU during Ireland's Presidency. This group considers social security issues of a topical nature on an ongoing basis.

My officials are in constant contact with their Commission counterparts and I will meet Commissioner Flynn on 23 November to discuss our Presidency programme.