Vol. 397 No. 9
83 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has any proposals to deal with the so-called democratic deficit in EC decision-making, either by enhancing the powers of the European Parliament and/or by increasing the involvement of national Parliaments alongside the European Parliament; and, if so, the way in which these proposals will affect Dáil Éireann.
The question of democratic accountability in the Community of the future has come in for increased attention in recent times.
This renewed interest in the functioning of Community institutions springs from the fact that the Community is about to enter a new phase of its development with the advent of negotiations on economic and monetary union. The issue is further highlighted by the likelihood that other steps to enhance the effectiveness of the Community in a changing Europe are soon to be considered.
The special European Council to be held in Dublin on Saturday next will consider various issues connected with the Community's future development. Given Ireland's position as Presidency, I would not wish to prejudge the outcome of the European Council by speculating at this stage on how this vital debate about the Community's future will unfold.
The matters concerned should figure in the Taoiseach's report to the Dáil on the outcome of the European Council.
