Gay Mitchell
Ceist:3 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland's priorities for the EU Lisbon summit. [8400/00]
Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - EU Summits.
The theme for the special European Council is "Employment, economic reforms and social cohesion – for a Europe of innovation and knowledge". While the primary focus for the Heads of State and Government at Lisbon will be on this core theme it is expected that there will also be discussions on a number of foreign policy issues.
The Portuguese Presidency has proposed a new strategic goal for the European Union "to make the European Union the world's most dynamic and competitive area, based on innovation and knowledge, able to boost economic growth levels, with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion". This involves a creative response to the new opportunities and challenges posed by the transition to an innovation and knowledge based society and improved co-ordination among EU member states, particularly in the areas of macro-economic policies, economic reform and structural policies, active employment policies and the modernisation of social protection.
The Lisbon summit will provide us with the opportunity to develop our vision of Europe of innovation and knowledge and to focus on the issue of competitiveness, which is fundamental to achieving the goals of employment, economic growth and social cohesion. The recent Irish experience validates a number of the key issues to be discussed at Lisbon, including, in particular, the most recent national agreement, the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, in which the Government and the social partners have identified lifelong learning and successful adaptation to the information society as priority challenges in the years ahead.
The Irish perspective for Lisbon and the priority areas we have identified for attention at Lisbon have been clearly outlined in our national paper which was circulated earlier this month. In terms of the contribution of Ireland to the preparations of the Lisbon summit, we suggested that the following should feature among the priority areas for attention.
First, lifelong learning, education and training: improving knowledge and skills on a continuous basis so as to respond successfully to rapid technological and structural change; facilitating social inclusion and the fullest possible participation in economic and social life; and promoting mutual recognition of qualifications.
Additional Information.
Second, the economic and social environment: economic and social reform including structural reform, completion of the Single Market, enterprise development, tackling social exclusion and addressing the challenge of changing demographics; we support the Presidency objective of greater economic co-ordination and we attach importance to the promulgation of a charter for small firms which would accord due recognition to, and boost confidence in, this priority sector; social inclusion should be an integral part of EU economic and social policy and macro-economic policies should incorporate the goals of employment growth and poverty reduction.
Third, IT access: deregulation and increasing competition in the telecommunications sector to achieve low cost connectivity to the global broadband telecommunications network and to provide public Internet access points – ICTs have an important role to play and all pupils should have access to facilities in line with their educational needs.
Fourth, research and development: making the appropriate interventions to stimulate economic activity from research and development investment and greater co-operation among members states.
Fifth, benchmarking: taking a measured but ambitious approach to the sharing of good practice among EU member states and the setting of targets within a framework of peer review as proposed by the Presidency.
In addition to our national contribution, we have also been engaged in contacts with British officials to establish a joint approach at Lisbon and we have reached agreement on a joint British-Irish statement. The text of the joint statement builds on elements from our national paper and highlights three broad areas where the UK and Ireland will seek to ensure concrete progress at Lisbon – education and lifelong learning, innovation and enterprise and fighting social exclusion.
The Minister of State indicated that social cohesion is on the agenda in Lisbon. I wish it was also on the agenda in Dublin. A study published in France this week shows that in the past two years there has been a marked increase in anti-immigrant feeling with 70% stating that they find the presence of foreigners in France aggravating. The largest increases were in anti-Arab feeling which has risen by 12% and anti-black feeling which has risen by 8%. There has also been an increase in anti-Semitism which has risen by 7%.
We are moving away from the substance of the original question.
This involves social cohesion across the European Union and my question is relevant, given that France is a member state. In Spain, a mayor who proposed segregation of immigrants was returned to office with a higher share of the vote and in Ireland, as the Minister of State is aware, many derogatory comments have been made.
Does the Minister of State agree that the Lisbon summit should issue a condemnation of all politicians who exploit immigrants and the issue of immigration? Will she communicate that view to the Taoiseach in order that it might be included in the conclusions of the Lisbon summit?
I share the Deputy's concern at the rise of xenophobic policies and tendencies across the European Union. The summit is taking place as we speak and it would be wrong of me to anticipate matters which may be raised there. In accordance with normal practice, the Taoiseach and the Minister will be making a statement to the Dáil in due course on the outcome of the European Council. There is a clear agenda or theme for this summit. That theme is appropriate for consideration by the Government and the nation, particularly given the stage we have reached in our economic development. As already stated, our priorities were set out in our national paper. Other issues may be raised at the Council and it will fall to the Minister or the Taoiseach to inform the House in that regard following the conclusion of the summit.
I asked the Minister of State if she agreed that, in terms of encouraging social cohesion, steps need to be taken in all member states, including Ireland, to counteract racism and xenophobia. Does she agree that racism and xenophobia are rampant in this country and that these problems are not being tackled? What steps does she intend to take to tackle racism and xenophobia on a Europe-wide basis?
The Deputy's supplementary question does not arise under his original question which inquired about Ireland's priorities for the EU Lisbon summit. He is wandering away from the substance of his original question.
I am trying to persuade the Minister of State that, in view of the fact that the summit is only commencing, she should communicate with the Taoiseach what I believe should be his priorities.
The Deputy should focus on the policy to which his question referred.
No, Sir. The Minister of State informed the House—
We want to try to get through these questions. The Minister of State to reply briefly.
I know that. I would have gotten through my supplementary question if the Leas-Cheann Comhairle had not interrupted.
I will communicate the Deputy's concerns to the Taoiseach. I agree it will be a challenge for the Governments of the member states, particularly our Government, to confront racism and xenophobia wherever they raise their heads. There have been clear instances and a growth in the articulation of such views. This is regrettable, particularly at a time when our economy is very strong and when we are most able to deal with these challenges in our society. I agree that positive action will be required on the part of the Government. Proposals will be brought before the Cabinet shortly in relation to a comprehensive integration policy and these will include anti-racist programmes.