asked the Taoiseach if, having regard to the large number of existing and future draft rules, regulations and directives of the European Communities, he will agree to the establishment of an all-party permanent committee of the Dáil to study the existing body of the Communities' legislation and future draft amendments and addenda, so that the Dáil may make comments and proposals thereon as the need may arise and thereby continue its prime function as a legislative body; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Legislation Study.
1.
The question of procedures to facilitate the examination by the Oireachtas of Community legislation and, in particular, proposals for new legislation, is receiving attention. It is my intention at the appropriate time to seek the views of the other political parties on this question.
Would the Taoiseach agree that this is a very urgent matter, that there is a vast number of rules and regulations and a vast amount of legislation, actual or intended, building up in Brussels, and that it is highly desirable that this House, as one of the legislative arms of the State—the Seanad is the other—should be aware in advance of all that is even contemplated? This is essential if our function as legislators is to continue in the future.
The Deputy can be sure that I have sympathy with that point of view.