asked the Taoiseach what action he proposes to take with a view to formulating proposals acceptable to the political parties in Dáil Éireann for the enhancement of the role of the European Parliament referred to in his speech on the occasion of his signing the accession Treaty at the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Role of European Parliaments.
7.
We shall be participating in the discussions, which, it is expected, will be held among the ten countries concerned, on, among other matters, the question of the role of the European Parliament in the enlarged Communities. I shall be prepared to consider, at the appropriate time, the views of the other political parties in the House on this question in the context of our participation in the discussions.
Any change in the role or structure of the European Parliament will, of course, be a matter for decision by the member States of the enlarged Communities.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that some time ago the Minister for Foreign Affairs told this House that this was a matter for the Dáil, not for the Government? Would he indicate how the Dáil can come to grips with the question and have a discussion out of which might emerge an Irish viewpoint on this matter? I am not clear as to what the correct procedure is so that we may have a debate and come to a conclusion on it.
We will be having the debate on the White Paper on accession during this term. The meeting I referred to, the summit meeting, will certainly not take place before that debate, so from that debate ought to emerge the viewpoint of all Deputies.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that we are dealing with the very specific problem of the powers of the European Parliament and the desirability of direct elections. This is something which will get lost in the maelstrom of a White Paper debate which will be very much a pro and con EEC membership debate, I am afraid. Will he not agree that it is desirable for us to have some special debate on this subject before the summit conference, so that the Taoiseach may have the concerted mind of the House on this issue before he goes to this meeting? Would he consider that?
Yes, but I think that might be better achieved by consultation between the parties.
Does the Taoiseach agree that it is a matter for the Dáil?
At the moment it is a matter for the Dáil to decide on the procedures for election or selection of the people to go to the assembly.
The Taoiseach misunderstands. The question to which the Minister for Foreign Affairs was replying related to the changing of the method of election to the European Parliament and changing its powers. He said that was a matter for the Dáil. How can the Dáil formulate a view for the Taoiseach to bring with him to the summit meeting on behalf of the Dáil? It will not be formulated during the debate on the White Paper. I submit to the Taoiseach that, possibly with preliminary consultations between the Whips, a debate on this subject should be organised before the summit takes place and after the debate on the White Paper.
I will consider that.