Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 9

Written Answers. - European Parliament.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

144 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the position in relation to the proposed EC review of the total number of seats in the European Parliament in anticipation of further enlargement and the likely effect of the number of seats allocated to this State; and by whom the review will be undertaken.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

In a Declaration attached to the Treaty on European Union it was agreed that member states will examine the question of the number of members of the European Parliament no later than the end of 1992 with a view to reaching an agreement that will permit the establishment of the necessary legal basis for fixing the number of members of the Parliament in time for the 1994 elections. This decision will be taken in the light of the need to establish the overall size of the Parliament in an enlarged Community.

Member states have not yet begun the process of examining this question but it is expected that the issue will be finalised an anticipated by the end of this year.

I am aware of a report being considered by the European Parliament which suggests a new system which would give Ireland one more seat at present. However, it should be noted that the decision on the allocation of seats will be for the member states who have yet to consider the matter.