Minister Killeen Attends EU Ministerial Meetings in Berlin and Brussels

Minister for Labour Affairs Tony Killeen was in Berlin this week where he attended the European Space Agency (ESA) Ministerial Meeting 2005. The week’s meetings commenced with a series of EU Ministerial meetings that Minister Killeen attended in Berlin and Brussels, where he is today (8^th Dec 2005).

In relation to the Minister’s visit to Berlin the primary purpose of the ESA Ministerial 2005 is to approve a number of Resolutions concerned with the; “ESA Long-Term Plan for discovery and competitiveness”, “the Level of Resources for the Agency’s mandatory activities”, specific Resolutions dealing with the International Space Station, the European Launcher Sector, the European Launch site in French Guiana CSG) and concluding with a Resolution on the “Future Evolution of the Agency”.

Speaking in Brussels Minister Killeen said: “Following this week’s meeting all issues were successfully resolved paving the way for a new and invigorated European Space Programme which will be of benefit to all European countries including Ireland. There was a strong emphasis on innovation and technology which will give increased opportunities for Irish Industry and Research.”

Minister Killeen pointed out that to date Irish industrial and research involvement in ESA Programmeshas been a very positive one. “The Irish industrial base involved in ESA programmes has continuously evolved in line with Irish industrial capabilities where many Irish companies have secured ESA contracts with the spin off commercial business directly attributable to ESA technologies estimated at €20m per year in 2004 and expected to grow rapidly.” Three Clare companies have succeeded in winning significant contracts in this high technology sector.

In the area of research Minister Killeen pointed out that 9 University research teams are currently active in ESA programmers in a range of scientific areas such as life sciences, advanced materials and astrophysics.

Later this week Minister Killeen will attend The Employment Affairs Ministerial Council in Brussels where one of the key employment issues on the agenda is the amended Commission proposal for a Directive amending the Working Time Directive, on which the UK Presidency wishes to secure agreement.

Minister Killeen said: “The UK Presidency is endeavouring to achieve a political agreement on this contentious draft directive. Any agreement on the day will have to involve real compromise on all sides regarding a number of outstanding issues particularly the highly sensitive issue of the opt out clause from the directive where member states opinions remain quite divided. Other issues under will include a Directive on Equal Treatment of Men and Women in Employment and Occupation and partial political agreement on the Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity.

Early next week the Minister will again be in Brussels to attend a Special Ministerial Meeting in relation to Chemicals Regulation. Minister Killeen said: “The Council will discuss the REACH Chemical Regulations, one of the most important piece of legislation coming from Europe. The Government has already decided that the HSA will be the competent authority implementing REACH in Ireland and additional resources have already been put in place for this.”

ENDS/LA159