asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he favours further enhancement of the powers of the European Parliament in regard to such matters as the appointment of Commissioners.
46.
Written Answers. - EC Matters.
41.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has any proposals to improve contacts between Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and members of the European Parliament.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 46 together.
The powers of the European Parliament were enhanced by the Single European Act. The Act came into force in July of last year. Experience so far with the operation of the Act and its effects on the role of the Parliament, has been very positive. Nevertheless because of the relatively short time during which the Single European Act has been in operation it is too early to speculate on further enhancement of Parliament's powers in any area of Community policy.
I have no proposals to make on the improvement of contacts between Members of the Oireachtas and of the European Parliament but I would, of course, be prepared to consider any proposals which are made on this subject.