Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 25 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 4

Written Answers. - EU Treaties.

Mary Wallace

Ceist:

71 Miss M. Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the concerns, if any, he has that the European Commission is not seeking an extension of EU treaties at the Intergovernmental Conference to cover action on disability in view of his prior commitment to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13623/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Intergovernmental Conference which opened in Turin in March of this year has been convened for the purpose of considering possible changes to the EU treaties. Each member state as well as the European Commission is free to propose amendments to the EU treaties. A key consideration is that any treaty amendment must be agreed unanimously by the member states.

The Intergovernmental Conference is still at a very early stage. There is as yet no consensus on the incorporation in the treaties of new provisions on disability or on discrimination more generally.

The Deputy's question refers to the position of the European Commission on the question of disability. The Commission's opinion on the Intergovernmental Conference which was adopted on 28 February 1996 expresses the view that the Intergovernmental Conference should incorporate in the treaty provisions banning discrimination of any kind.

As far as the Irish position is concerned, in line with the recently published White Paper on foreign policy, the Government attaches particular importance in the negotiations to addressing the most direct concerns of citizens. During the Intergovernmental Conference negotiations, we have taken a positive view of strengthening in an appropriate way the treaty provisions in respect of discrimination. To an extent discussion has thus far focused on the possibility of an anti-discrimination clause. We have also, for example, expressed support for the incorporation in the treaty of a suitable legal base which would permit the European institutions to adopt appropriate legislative provisions in respect of discrimination.

Specifically as regards disability we have been to the forefront in arguing that such anti-discrimination provisions should include discrimination on the grounds of disability. Moreover, we have argued for an amendment to Article 100a, relating to the achievement of the internal market, with a view to ensuring that in drawing up internal market standards the Council shall take into account the needs of people with a disability.