Vol. 484 No. 3
66 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, she has taken at EU level to ensure that Irish exporters and workers are not prevented from servicing their rights of free movement of workers and goods in view of the recent events at Welsh ports. [22018/97]
112 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment whether she has contacted her United Kingdom counterpart regarding the obstruction of Irish exporters to the United Kingdom at various ports, with resultant loss of business; her views on whether this action is a violation of European trade agreements under the Single European Act; if she has raised these matters at European level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22303/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 112 together.
Deputies will be aware of contacts on this matter between the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister and between my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, and his British counterpart.
The Minister of State at my Department with responsibility for single market matters, Deputy Tom Kitt, has written to Commissioner Mario Monti expressing his deep concern, and that of the Government, at the impact on the functioning of the Internal Market of the current disruption to the free passage of Irish goods at UK ports. He has asked that the Commissioner and his colleagues take all possible steps to ensure that the rules of the Internal Market are respected by all member states. Minister of State Kitt has also spoken directly to his British opposite number, Lord Simon, to express the Government's deep concern at the obstruction to the free flow of goods.
The obstruction of the free flow of goods is a fundamental breach of one of the core principles set out in the EU Treaties. I am satisfied that the British Government is fully aware of its responsibilities in this regard. I expect it to take the necessary measures to ensure the prompt resumption of the free flow of goods through and to and from its ports.
