Vol. 496 No. 3
42 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress, if any, in relation to the Government's campaign to retain duty free facilities within the EU beyond the middle of 1999; and the assurance, if any, she has received from the Commission that it will reconsider this matter. [22196/98]
57 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position regarding efforts to have duty free facilities retained; the initiatives, if any, she has in this regard, particularly in view of the success of members of the European Commission in having their own duty free facilities retained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22546/98]
62 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position in relation to efforts to have duty free facilities retained; if her attention has been drawn to the response from French Prime Minister, Lionel Jospin, concerning the suggested series of options for action on the duty free issue arising from the Capet report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22649/98]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 42, 57 and 62 together.
I assure the Deputies that my colleagues and I fully recognise the implications the proposed abolition of duty free facilities would have for Ireland and we are making every effort to have these facilities retained. As the Deputies are aware, Ireland has brought the proposed abolition onto the agenda of the European Council, it is now firmly on the table and I intend to continue to press for reconsideration of the position by the Council.
