Tánaiste's enthusiastic welcome for EU Commission's proposals on services

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Mary Harney, this evening (Tuesday 13 January 2004) enthusiastically welcomed the European Commission's publication of a new draft directive aimed at creating a real internal market in services throughout Europe.

"This directive has the potential to be far reaching in terms of its impact on doing business in Europe and in stimulating competition and consumer choice.

I have already made it clear that I regard the opening up of EU borders to trade in services to be critical to the creation of more and better jobs in an enlarged European Union.

Making progress in this important area will be a key priority for me during Ireland's Presidency," the Tánaiste concluded.

ENDS/ETE 1179