EEC super levy proposals
Collins asked where the proposals were discussed, who represented Ireland, and what progress was made. Barry began outlining the special Council meetings, but the answer was cut short as remaining questions were deferred.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the venue and locations of meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers where the question of the EEC Commission super levy proposals were discussed; who represented our Government on each of these occasions; and if he will make a statement on the progress made at each of the meetings.
Comment on this
The Declaration adopted by the European Council in Stuttgart on 18 June last established a special emergency procedure to ensure the achievement of what it called "the relaunch of the European Community". It was decided that this procedure would take the form of Special Council sessions of Foreign and Finance Ministers. Other Ministers, and the Declaration specifically mentioned Ministers of Agriculture, may also participate, where necessary, in the Special Councils.
To date five such Councils have been held, two in July in Brussels, one each in August and September in Brussels, and the fifth this month in Athens. The first Council was procedural and was attended by the Minister of State at my Department. The Minister of State and I attended the second July Council while he and the Minister for Finance attended the September Council. The August and October Councils were attended by the Ministers for Agriculture, Finance and myself.
As regards the final part of the Deputy's question, I am afraid that it would not be practicable to report individually on each of the Special Council meetings. Overall, the position is that the discussions to date have been moving very slowly with countries restricting themselves for the most part to a reiteration of well-known national positions.
