Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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631. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the European Pillar of Social Rights is binding. [49849/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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On 26 April 2017, the European Commission published its proposals on the next stage of the European Pillar of Social Rights in the form of an ‘Inter-Institutional Proclamation’ to be signed by the Presidents of the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament. The signing ceremony was held at the EU Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth in Gothenburg which I attended with the Taoiseach on 17 November.

The European Pillar of Rights is a political commitment at EU level to ensuring social rights keep pace with the fiscal and monetary progress made under Economic and Monetary Union. The Government is fully supportive of the principles set out in the Interinstitutional Proclamation.

The Proclamation is a political, rather than a legal document. The European Commission shares this view, referring to the Proclamation as a ‘compass’ for future actions rather than a legally binding instrument.

The Interinstitutional Proclamation is an important political commitment which provides guidance to Member States and the EU institutions. Its aim is to ensure that we have a social system which is robust in the face of 21st century challenges such as globalisation and the changing nature of work. We look forward to advancing this ambitious agenda.