WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3720/97 by Mark WATTS to the Commission. Benefit levels for carers in EU Member States
Date: 1997-11-21
Institutions: European Parliament, WATTS
Subjects: care of people with disabilities, child, disabled person, elderly person, family benefit, health care, information system, paramedical profession, pay, social security

8. 6. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 174/107

3.
Community citizens who consider themselves to have been discriminated against through a decision of the
authorities of a Member State concerning access to training or to the taking-up or pursuit of a profession may
apply to the courts of the country in question. If there is doubt whether a provision of national law is compatible
with Community law, the national court may, where necessary, submit a reference to the Court of Justice for a
preliminary  ruling  on  one  or  more  questions.  The  individuals  in  question  may  also  make  a  complaint  to  the
Commission.

(98/C 174/166)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3719/97

by Stelios Argyros (PPE) to the Commission

(19 November 1997)

Subject: Information brochure published by the Common Research Centre

The  European  Research  Centre  (Commission,  DG  XII)  recently  issued  a  multifold  information  brochure  in
A4 x 8 format concerning the Joint Research Centres. This publication is printed on both sides and appears on
(cid:145)illustration(cid:146) paper with plastic surfacing.

Owing to its format, this publication is of questionable practical utility; moreover, owing to its composition, the
paper is non-recyclable and is thus non-environmentally friendly.

However, it was undoubtedly very expensive to produce, despite attempts to cut the cost of the JRCs as part of
the general austerity measures applied to Community research policy.

Will the Commission say:

›  How much did this publication cost to produce?

›  Which service approved the expenditure?

›  What is believed to be purpose and expected benefit of this publication?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(7 January 1998)

The  Commission(cid:146)s  Joint  Research  Centre  (JRC)  plays  a  vital  role  in  providing  scientific  assistance  for
Community policies.

Moreover, it has great potential for promoting innovation in European industry through its competitive activities,
but this potential is not sufficiently well known as yet.

Consequently, an active approach to promoting the transfer of technology, collaborative research and training
has been adopted, with a view to increasing the value added by the JRC for the individual and for European
industry.

This approach also means that the JRC(cid:146)s activities have to be more clearly explained. The poster to which the
Honourable Member refers was produced with this aim in mind. It cost ECU 6 114 for 10 000 copies.

(98/C 174/167)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3720/97

by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission

(21 November 1997)

Subject: Benefit levels for carers in EU Member States

Can the Commission please provide a breakdown by Member State of the level of benefit paid to individuals
acting as a carer for a disabled person, an elderly person or children?