22 Feb 2012, 17:38
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs today met with Michael Link, Minister of State in the German Federal Foreign Office.
Minister Link discussed the debt crisis in Europe, the Fiscal Compact and Irish progress in the EU-IMF programme. During his address, the Minister recognised that sacrifices of the Irish population during the crisis and their readiness for sacrifices in the future. He spoke forcefully on Germany’s belief in a strong Europe, pointing out no other country shares more borders with other Member States.
Chairman Dominic Hannigan TD said: “The Committee heard Minister Link strongly commend the progress of Ireland in the present crisis, believing that Ireland was ‘on track’ to recovery. Minister Link pointed out that Germany too has known austerity post-unification.
“The Minister was pressed by a number of Committee Members on the perceived dominance of France and Germany of the current EU agenda. We were interested in the Minister’s view that the upcoming Irish presidency of the European Union was a unique possibility to prove how close Germany and Ireland are, particularly with regard to the maintenance of a robust Commission.”
“The Committee gave the Minister the clear view that solidarity was required from their European partners and look forward to future updates from him on the approach of Germany, particularly during next year’s EU Presidency.”
Have your say: The Committee is leading a national debate on the new EU Fiscal Treaty. It invites submissions from those who wish to make known their views on the Treaty and its implications for Ireland. View more and make a submission: http://bit.ly/xMg2nJ
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
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Committee on European Union Affairs Membership
Deputies
Dominic Hannigan, TD (Chairman)
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Timmy Dooley, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
Colm Keaveney, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
Joe O’Reilly, TD
Mick Wallace, TD
Senators
Colm Burke,
Fidelma Healy Eames,
James Heffernan,
Terry Leyden,
Kathryn Reilly