The Oireachtas and the European Union

Although Ireland had aspirations to become a member of the Community as far back as 1961 it was not until 1972 when a referendum confirmed Ireland’s entry into the European Community with 83 per cent of voters supporting membership. Ireland formally acceded to the then EEC in 1973.

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Scrutiny Process in the Houses of the Oireachtas

In the 30th Dáil, scrutiny of draft legislation published by the European Commission was centralised in the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny. The Joint Committee on European Affairs considered EU policy issues and consultation documents such as Green and White Papers.

Reflecting the Programme for Government the arrangements for the 31^st Dáil, consideration of EU matters in the Oireachtas is mainstreamed across all Oireachtas Sectoral Committees.

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• Find out about EU Matters this week in Committees

Other Useful Information

• National Parliament Office
• Institute of International and European Affairs
• EU in Ireland
• COSAC
• IPEX