Caution over liberalisation urged

Events such as the electricity crisis in California should make everyone in the EU pause and reflect over liberalisation, a conference heard yesterday.The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) conference heard that a framework for public services for the EU was possible but policymakers needed to consider several complex issues.

Mr Roger Briesch, president of the influential European Economic and Social Committee, told the conference it was "decision time" for the European Commission in the ongoing debate about public services.

He said the single market had played a key role in the growth of the European economy and quality of life had improved as markets gradually opened up. But he also urged caution.

"Some experiences of liberalisation in Europe and in the world - such as in the electricity market in California - must, however, make us pause to reflect on the complexity of services of general interest and their fragility," he said.

At the conference on public services across the EU in Dublin Castle, Mr Briesch said the crucial consideration was ensuring high-quality economic and social services for consumers.

Mr Briesch, whose committee provides advice to various EU institutions, said that either the Commission could propose a future framework for better services or it could maintain the status quo.

It was his opinion that expectations of change had been growing and there was now a need for change.

"This means that all services or benefits must be accessible to citizens, regardless of their social status or place of residence," he said.

The two-day conference is being jointly held by the Brussels-based Economic and Social Committee and the NESC.

The conference is supposed to promote more consultation among member-states and between the social partners in the interests of civic society.

In his opening address, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Ahern, said that the issues being dealt with were central to the future social and economic development of Europe.

"We in Ireland have no monopoly on wisdom in this area," he said.

"Services are constantly evolving and we have much to learn. Hopefully, this conference will advance our understanding."