Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1998

Vol. 495 No. 7

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The EU Social Policy Commissioner informed the Social and Labour Affairs Council on 27 October of his intention to make a proposal to the Commission in this area.

It is my understanding that the Commission has not taken decisions on any such proposal. Consequently, there is no draft directive on employee information and consultation as implied in the question. I do not want to speculate at this stage on what decisions the Commission may take, or on whether its decisions are imminent or not. However, I can say that a draft directive in this area would clearly merit careful consideration at national level, including consultation with the social partners and other interests.

On a general note it is my view that consideration of EU social policy initiatives must include an assessment of their likely impact on investment in enterprise and jobs. Also, regard must be had to whether initiatives in any specific area are best taken at national rather than EU level. In Ireland we already have action to encourage partnership for competitive enterprise, including employee information and consultation, in Partnership 2000.