Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:59 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress, if any, which has been made in bringing forward the EU Directive on gas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14947/97]
Written Answers. - EU Directives.
Detailed consideration of the draft EU Directive concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas commenced during Ireland's Presidency of the EU in the second half of 1996. Ireland had bilateral meetings with a number of member states and tabled a compromise proposal in an effort to expedite progress. That proposal was well received and an orientation debate took place at a meeting of the Council of Ministers on 3 December, 1996.
Netherlands held the EU Presidency from 1 January, 1997 and tabled a further compromise proposal. A Council of Ministers meeting on 27 May, 1997 focused on three issues, namely, market opening, take-or-pay contracts and emergent markets and regions. Some progress was made and the Council invited the Permanent Representatives Committee to continue discussions on the proposed Directive.
Luxembourg, which now holds the EU Presidency, has tabled a further compromise proposal. That proposal is now being considered at Council Working Group level and a Council of Ministers meeting to discuss the proposal is scheduled for 27 October, 1997.