Role of national Parliaments will be enhanced in the Lisbon Treaty
Issued : Wednesday 4 June, 2008
Statement by Joe Costello TD
Spokesperson on Europe and Human Rights
Speaking in the Dáil on the enhanced role of national Parliaments in the Lisbon Treaty
"The European Union was founded over fifty years ago with the Treaty of Rome. Ireland joined thirty five years ago. Europe has contributed substantially to Ireland's economic and social development and Ireland has brought a level of dynamism to the European Union that is admired widely by Member States.
"As the European Union has evolved so also have the Member States in their internal structures and in their relationship with the European Union.
"On five separate occasions Ireland has voted by referendum over the last thirty five years to participate in each step of the EU project - the Treaty of Rome, the Single European Act, the Treaty of Amsterdam, the Treaty of Maastricht, the Treaty of Nice and now on the 12th June we will vote on the Treaty of Lisbon.
"Ratification of a treaty by referendum is the ultimate in democracy. For that reason the EU Affairs Joint Committee held six separate meetings outside of Leinster House to invite the public to engage in the democratic process.
"For that same reason the EU Scrutiny Committee has conducted a thorough examination of the new powers granted to the Parliaments of Member States so as to tease out the implications of the proposed changes in the Treaty for the domestic parliamentary process and to inform the public accordingly.
"This debate today is the first opportunity to have a Dáil Debate on the implications of the new proposed powers in the Treaty for the Oireachtas, its structures, procedures and standing orders.
"National Parliaments are given a defined role in EU matters separate to that of their National Governments for the very first time. They will be consulted separately on all policy matters and on all proposed legislation. They will be the arbiters on whether any new proposals breach the principle of subsidiarity i.e. that decisions that can best be made at local level must be made at local Member State level.
"Thus National Parliaments will have power to directly influence the EU political and legislative process. As Parliamentarians have direct contact with their constituents this will provide greater representation to Irish citizens.
"Thus EU legislation will be better informed because of new Parliamentary representation. This is especially important given the estimates that 75% of domestic legislation arises from the implementation of EU measures.
"I welcome the commitment given by the Government to consult with the EU Affairs Committee, if the Referendum is passed, to frame the legislation required to implement the Treaty proposals to enhance the role of National Parliaments.
"Of particular importance will be the need for the Government to support an independent role for the Oireachtas so that the enhanced role of National Parliaments is given full expression.
"The Treaty of Lisbon proposals mark an exciting and innovative role for National Parliaments in their relationship with the European Union. It is our challenge as National Parliamentarians to exploit it to the full in the interest of our citizens."