Written answers

Thursday, 1 May 2008

Department of Foreign Affairs

EU Policies

5:00 pm

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the twin objectives of the Lisbon Accord in relation to cohesion and competitiveness, on the growing inequalities in the European Union, and the relegation of cohesion as an aim; and his position in relation to this matter. [16849/08]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland supports the competitiveness and cohesion policies, which are key priorities for the European Union. These priorities are reflected in the Union's Lisbon Strategy, which aims to make Europe a more competitive and knowledge-driven economy, and in the EU's budgetary framework, which provides significant financial resources for the implementation of competitiveness and cohesion policies.

Over the years, Ireland has benefited hugely from EU cohesion funding and continues to view economic and social cohesion as a pillar of EU integration. There has been no diminution in the Union's commitment to cohesion or to competitiveness. Indeed, the statement of the Union's basic aims contained in the Lisbon Reform Treaty highlights the commitment to 'balanced economic growth' and 'a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress.' The Treaty also commits the Union to promoting 'economic, social and territorial cohesion, and solidarity among Member States.'

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