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Minister of State Creighton briefs EU partners on Government’s economic priorities
The Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, today in Luxembourg briefed EU Ministers on Ireland’s economic priorities as part of the Government’s campaign to enhance Ireland’s reputation in Europe. The Minister of State said
I want to underline the determination of the new Irish Government to see the EU/IMF Programme through and meet the fiscal and other targets set out in the programme. In this, the solidarity of partners and European institutions remains crucial and very much appreciated.
The Minister was speaking during the debate at the General Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on the follow-up to the decisions taken by the series of European Councils in March.
The Minister briefed EU partners on the recent banking stress tests in Ireland, explaining that the Government has taken steps to put the banking system on sustainable basis and reduce its dependence on State support. She noted the encouraging international reaction to date to the results of the stress tests.
She welcomed EU support for innovation, noting that
growth in our economy is crucial, as it is for all partners at this time. Irish exports, notably in high technology sectors, have been doing well and have a big part to play in driving our recovery.
With a number of other EU states, Ireland joined an initiative to encourage simplification of procedures for accessing EU innovation, agriculture and structural funds.