Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 269: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of proposals his Department is opposing at European Council at any stage; the names of such proposals; the reason his Department is taking this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33823/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

European Council business within the remit of my Department is carried out mainly through the Council of Economics and Finance Ministers, ECOFIN, at which proposals relating to a wide range of economic issues are debated and agreed. The normal practice is that before being tabled for discussion at ECOFIN, issues are extensively considered and negotiated at Council working groups of member state officials. In general, my Department has been able to ensure proposals coming to ECOFIN are acceptable. An exception is the Commission proposal for a Council and Parliament directive on passenger car related taxes — Council document 11067/05 of 05/07/2005, Commission draft Directive COM(2005) 261. Ireland is generally opposed to this proposal on the grounds that Ireland regards vehicle registration tax, VRT, as a national tax that falls within the national competence. The first Council working group meeting to discuss this proposal took place on 19 October 2005.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 270: To ask the Minister for Finance the exemptions from EU directives or regulations Ireland has achieved in his Department's competency area; the reason his Department requested each exemption; if it is intended to give up any of these exemptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33838/05]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 271: To ask the Minister for Finance the exemptions from EU directives or regulations his Department is seeking; the reason his Department is requesting each exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33853/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.

My Department has not in the past sought or achieved exemptions from EU directives or regulations nor is it seeking any.