22 Feb 2012, 11:50
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will discuss the International Agreement on a Reinforced Economic Union with a number of prominent experts from varying backgrounds tomorrow morning Thursday 23 February.
UCC economics lecturer Seamus Coffey, DCU lecturer in International Relations Dr Karen Devine and ICTU Chief Economist Paul Sweeney will address the Committee.
Chairman of the Committee Dominic Hannigan TD said: “In leading the debate on the Fiscal Treaty in Ireland, our cross-party Committee intends to court a wide range of opinion to inform its deliberations. The Committee looks forward to hearing the distinct perspectives of the three experts tomorrow.
“Building on the Committee’s previous constructive engagement with academic economists on 2 February, Members intend to explore with the experts the implications of ratification, or otherwise, of the Treaty for Irish citizens on the ground.
“Preceding the presentations, Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton will update the Committee in advance of the monthly General Affairs Council meeting, to be held in Brussels next week. The Brussels meeting will prepare the ground for the next European Council meeting in early March.
“Given the agreement on the second bailout for Greece overnight, the wider implications of recent developments for Ireland and the EU as a whole will no doubt be considered with Minister Creighton.”
The Committee meets at 10:30 am in Committee Room 3, LH2000, tomorrow Thursday, 23 February 2012. It begins with Minister Creighton’s presentation and discussion with the three experts will follow at approximately 11:30 am.
Committee proceedings can be followed live at: http://bit.ly/24YmPI
Reminder: The EU Affairs Committee meets Michael Link, Minister of State in the German Federal Foreign Office at 2:30 pm today Wednesday 22 February: http://bit.ly/AvHTU9
Have your say: The Committee is leading a national debate on the new EU Fiscal Treaty. It invites submissions from those who wish to make known their views on the Treaty and its implications for Ireland. View more and make a submission: http://bit.ly/xMg2nJ
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4944
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee on European Union Affairs Membership
Deputies
Dominic Hannigan, TD (Chairman)
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Timmy Dooley, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
Colm Keaveney, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
Joe O’Reilly, TD
Mick Wallace, TD
Senators
Colm Burke,
Fidelma Healy Eames,
James Heffernan,
Terry Leyden,
Kathryn Reilly