08/07/2011

First Address By Minister Highlights Priorities For Future

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs has been told that serious efforts have been made over the past number of years to increase the transparency of the European Union, and to address the perceived democratic deficiencies or ‘democratic deficit’.

Addressing the Committee, Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton said that members of the Government has been availing of every appropriate opportunity to meet their European counterparts and to engage fully with the European Union.

Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland told the Committee that back in 2006, and before the Lisbon Treaty, the European Commission introduced new channels of open dialogue with national Parliaments, notably through the introduction of an informal communication mechanism known as the ‘Political Dialogue’.

Francis Jacobs, Head of the European Parliament Information Office in Ireland, said European Parliament has a much more powerful role since the Lisbon Treaty and together with the European Council co-decides on nearly all draft legislation and it is important that we continue to engage and to improve dialogue.

Joe Costello, Chairman of the Committee on European Union Affairs, said: “As I said when I was elected Chairman of this Committee, the Referendum on the Lisbon Treaty showed how disconnected Ireland had become from Europe. The European Affairs Committee will open up communication with the Irish People on EU issues. It is also important that in our role as parliamentarians that we play our part in engaging with our European colleagues and I would hope that this Committee will play an important role in informing debate on the European Union in Ireland.”

The Chairman aded: “I would like to thank Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, and Francis Jacobs, Head of the European Parliament Information Office in Ireland, for taking the time to appear before the Committee. As we agree a work programme for this committee, it is important to hear first hand from key stakeholders in relation to European Union Affairs.”

(BMcN/KMcA)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 October 2022
SF Urges Everyone To 'Get Involved In The Discussion On A New Ireland'
Sinn Féin has urged people from all backgrounds to "get involved in the discussion on a New Ireland". Speaking at the first of Sinn Féin's People's Assemblies in the Waterfront Hall tonight, First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill called on the Irish government to establish a Citizens' Assembly. Michelle O'Neill said: "This is our home place.
24 June 2011
Costello Elected Chairman On European Union Affairs
Joe Costello, TD has been elected Chairman of the Committee on European Union Affairs. Speaking after his election, Deputy Costello said: “The European Union is playing an increasingly important role in Irish Parliamentary affairs. Approximately half of the legislation enacted in Ireland emanates from the European Union.
06 May 2011
'Europe Day' Dáil Sitting Welcomed
To mark Europe Day, the Taoiseach, Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn and Ireland's MEPs will address Dáil Éireann on the future of Europe and Ireland's role in the European Union in special sitting of the Dáil on Monday, 9 May.
29 November 2019
Ireland Reaffirms Commitment To European Space Programmes
The Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan, has reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to European space programmes.
11 December 2012
Tánaiste To Further Restore Stability Across Europe
Today in Brussels, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore and Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton, presented the work programme of the 'Trio' of EU Presidencies for the next 18 months.