Vol. 490 No. 2
40 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has made a submission to the European Commission regarding the development of broad economic guidelines; and, if so, if he will furnish a copy of the submission. [9511/98]
Neither I nor my Department have made a submission to the European Commission regarding the development of broad economic guidelines. Each year, the European Commission issues a recommendation on the broad guidelines of the economic policies of the member states and the Community, in accordance with Article 103 (2) of the Treaty on European Union. This is examined by the Economic Policy Committee and the Monetary Committee. The Commission's recommendations, together with the views of the Monetary Committee are then discussed at the ECOFIN Council Meeting. The ECOFIN Council submits draft broad guidelines to the European Council, which endorses the guidelines. Ireland is represented on both the Economic Policy Committee and the Monetary Committee. Our views on the guidelines are expressed in these fora.
