19 Apr 2012, 17:38
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs today engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on the EU Fiscal Treaty with senior SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie.
The MP for South Down, explaining that the decision is hugely important for the Irish people, said that there was an overwhelming case for Ireland to ratify the Treaty. She also advocated that the arguments for the Treaty be clearly communicated in a manner that acknowledges the public disquiet around the current austerity measures.
Chairman of the Committee Dominic Hannigan TD said: “The SDLP has been an enthusiastic supporter of the European project from its foundation and the Committee today heard Margaret Ritchie strongly advocate a Yes vote to the Fiscal Treaty. The meeting today was a reminder that the referendum outcome has implications for economies on both sides of the border.
“Sharing concerns around the technical shortcomings in the Treaty expressed by other witnesses in recent weeks, Ms Ritchie pointed to the problem of defining and measuring structural deficit. Nonetheless, our Committee heard the Ms Ritchie argue that acceptance of the Treaty would help bring forward the day when Ireland could return independently to the capital markets.
“Ms Ritchie’s address concludes another intensive week of debate for the Committee on the Fiscal Treaty, which included contributions from political, trade union and business leaders as well as economists and lawyers. These contributions will inform a Sub-Committee report to be published in advance of referendum day on Thursday 31 May.”
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Committee 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