Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the business of the last meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2543/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My colleague, Mr Michael Ahern, TD, Minister of State at my Department, attended the EU Competitiveness Council, which took place on 4th December 2006.

The following is a summary of the four main agenda items discussed:

Modernised Customs Code

The Council held a policy debate on a proposal for modernizing the Community customs code with a view to providing political guidance for further work. The Council discussed three issues arising from a proposal to modernise the EU Customs Code — Single Window, Centralised Customs Clearance and Customs Representation. The modernisation of the customs code was an essential pillar for EU growth and competitiveness. In general there was political support for the concepts of Single Window and Centralised Clearance but additional work is needed to resolve technical problems. Delegations acknowledged that the conditions for Customs Representation should be compatible with the principles of the Internal Market. There was majority agreement to abolish restrictive practices for customs agents but also to ensure community-wide professional competency.

Innovation Policy

The Council held a policy debate on a broad-based innovation strategy for the EU and adopted conclusions to be forwarded to the December European Council for endorsement. The Council considered that support for innovation was an essential part of the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs and that it merited an ongoing position on the EU's competitiveness agenda. Public policies should aim at improving access to financing in support of innovation, at creating an innovation friendly regulatory environment and a demand for innovation as well as reinforcing the activities of institutions which promote innovation, including the links between research institutions and industry.

The Commission will present a comprehensive strategy on Intellectual Property Rights during 2007 and the Council invited the Commission also to present its Communication on Patents as soon as possible.

The Council also took note of a presentation by the Commission on the 2006 Competitiveness report, an oral report by the Presidency on the draft regulation for the establishment of a European Institute of Technology and the state of progress concerning the preparation of proposals for Joint Technology initiatives.

Better Regulation

Council held an exchange of views based on a presentation from the Commission and a questionnaire from the Presidency. The Commission proposal for a reduction of 25% in administrative burdens was the focus of particular attention. While many Member States could support the principle involved, many also raised issues about the detail and how it would operate in practice given that Member States had different starting points. The Council reaffirmed the priority which it attaches to a well-functioning regulatory framework as an important means both to achieving agreed political objectives and in strengthening the competitiveness of European enterprises. The Presidency indicated that ongoing detailed discussions would be required and noted that the next three Presidencies were prioritising better regulation.

Consumer Credit Directive

The Council took note of a progress report by the Presidency on a draft Directive on credit agreements for consumers amending Council Directive 93/13/EC (15406/06) and also held a brief exchange of views. This draft Directive aims at harmonising certain aspects of the laws, regulations and administrative procedures of the Member States concerning agreements covering credit for consumers. It establishes the conditions for a genuine internal market while ensuring a high level of consumer protection. Two issues need to be addressed (a) the benefits of harmonisation in this area and (b) which particular areas require more detailed regulation. Discussions will continue under the German Presidency. The Council also adopted its common position on simplification of nominal quantities for pre-packed products.

In addition to the main agenda, the Finnish Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Mauri Pekkarinen, hosted a lunchtime discussion on Competitiveness, Climate Change and Energy Policy.

The Council also took note of information given by the Presidency and by the Commission on:

Activities in the Pharmaceutical Forum;

The Commission communication on external aspects of competitiveness: "Global Europe: competing in the world" — Council conclusions of 13 November 2006;

The EU-US informal economic ministerial meeting;

The review of the consumer acquis;

The common frame of reference in European contract law;

The review of the timeshare Directive;

The state of play on suspension of import duties on primary aluminum (at the request of the Polish delegation).

The proposals and initiatives discussed by Council are at various stages of negotiation and development and Ireland's position is being represented in the appropriate working and expert groups. My Department always seeks to play a constructive role in relation to all EU proposals and is anxious to ensure that Ireland's interests are safeguarded while also being mindful of our responsibilities to the Union as a whole. In the normal process of negotiation, we may and do seek amendments or identify provisions which could be improved on or take positions on amendments sought by other Member States or the Commission.