Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2012
37 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on his meeting with the EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Olli Rehn, in Brussels last week; if he will report on discussions on the fiscal compact treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5577/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met Commission Vice-President Rehn last week when in Brussels. As the Deputy is aware, I and other members of the Government make sure to take advantage of any appropriate opportunities to pursue contacts with Member States and with key partners such as the European Commission. Commission Vice-President Rehn and I discussed the Irish EU-IMF programme in the light of the recent visit of the Troika to Dublin, at which it was confirmed that Ireland's programme was on track. This assessment was endorsed by eurozone Heads of State and Government this week, whose communication welcomed the positive review of Ireland's programme.
Commission Vice-President Rehn and I also discussed the Fiscal Compact, which as the Deputy and the House is aware was agreed on Monday night in the form of an Intergovernmental Treaty among twenty-five member states of the European Union. The text of the Treaty will now be prepared for signature and subsequent ratification by each of the participants. In terms of discussions on the draft Treaty, the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, I and other Ministers have at all times sought to keep the House and the relevant Committees informed. Our priorities in the negotiations included ensuring clarity regarding the status of programme countries, ensuring as many clear linkages as possible with existing EU Treaties and enhancing references to economic growth. I am happy that Ireland's interests and priorities were reflected in the agreed text.
In addition to the commitment in the Intergovernmental Treaty to promote conditions for stronger economic growth, I would also draw attention to the statement by members of the European Council entitled "Growth-friendly Consolidation and Job-friendly Growth". I strongly welcome this statement and the initiatives contained within it, which reflect issues Ireland had highlighted such as youth employment, the establishment of a digital single market and ensuring a competitive market for SMEs.
