15 Mar 2012, 16:50
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs today engaged in robust exchanges on the International Agreement on a Reinforced Economic Union with prominent voices from agriculture, youth, anti-poverty and the trade union perspectives.
Professor Gerry Boyle of Teagasc, in outlining the growing importance of the agri-food sector to the Irish economy, stated that there were benefits that would flow to agriculture from a restoration of macro-economic stability to the Eurozone.
James Doorley of the National Youth Council of Ireland stated his organisation’s deep concern around youth unemployment and queried whether the Treaty would provide adequate scope to stimulate economic activity to tackle high European unemployment rates.
Marie Sherlock of SIPTU, expressing deep concerns about the Treaty, pondered whether an Irish No to the Treaty might close the door to the European Stability Mechanism funding.
Dr Sean Healy, Social Justice Ireland, while agreeing with the general principle of increased economic oversight, said that Fiscal Compact was too restrictive and the economic indicators in question too difficult to measure.
Chairman of the Committee Dominic Hannigan TD said: “Committee Members today heard a series of insightful presentations from a rich variety of perspectives on the Fiscal Treaty. While none of their respective organisations have yet taken positions on the Treaty, the representatives exchanged views on the Treaty with Members in an honest and forthright manner.
“The meeting afforded the committee a valuable opportunity to assess the mood of the farming community, young people, the marginalised and ordinary workers towards the Treaty. There was general agreement that the Fiscal Compact was by no means a singular solution to the economic crisis and that, in the upcoming referendum, the Irish people had to weigh up a balance the risks in either accepting or rejecting the Treaty.”
View short video clips of Chairman Dominic Hannigan TD and Senator Kathryn Reilly reflecting on the wide ranging meeting.
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.
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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