WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3636/98 by Peter TRUSCOTT Rights of the disabled in the Member States
6. 11. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 320/61 There has been no request from the Portuguese authorities, nor from the Spanish or French authorities, to exempt fighting bulls from the provisions. This question needs careful examination in the light of the inherent risks to human and animal health, the safeguards provided and the feasibility of the indicated controls. However, any changes in Commission Decision 98/653/EC would need a qualified majority in the standing veterinary committee. In the case that no such majority can be obtained, the proposal has to be sent to the Council for further examination. (1) OJ L 311, 20. 11. 1998. (1999/C 320/081) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3622/98 by Ulf Holm (V) to the Commission (24 November 1998) Subject: Discriminatory checks within the Schengen area A programme was recently broadcast on Swedish television in which two TV reporters with foreign backgrounds travelled through the EU to test freedom of movement for individuals. It turned out that they were subjected to systematic checks both at borders and after they had entered the country where they intended to stay, the apparent reason being that they were originally of a non-European background. They were subjected to visual discrimination even though they were born in Sweden and are Swedish citizens. Human rights organizations throughout the Schengen area confirm this discrimination. 1. Is it the Commission’s view that such systematic discrimination is the price to be paid for Schengen? 2. What does the Commission intend to do to prevent the visual discrimination that results from having no checks at borders within Schengen? Does the Commission consider that a ‘non-European appearance’ is sufficient grounds for checks on 3. individuals within the Schengen area? Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (14 January 1999) 1. No. I would refer the honourable Member to the answer from the Commission to Written Question 2. P-2892/98 by Mrs Waddington (1). 3. No. (1) OJ C 118, 29. 4. 1999, p. 161. (1999/C 320/082) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3636/98 by Peter Truscott (PSE) to the Commission (3 December 1998) Subject: Rights of the disabled in the Member States Are disabled people treated equally in all Member States in respect of disability living allowances? In particular, do totally deaf people qualify for disability allowances in every Member State?