JOINT COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS debate -
Tuesday, 11 Nov 2008

Business of Joint Committee.

Chairman

The draft minutes of the meeting of 6 November 2008 have been circulated. Are the minutes agreed? Agreed.

Correspondence received since the last meeting has been circulated. We received a reply from the European Commission on the contribution of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs to the Commission's annual policy strategy. We need further discussion on the policy strategy. Is that agreed? Agreed. An invitation has been received for the Chairman to attend the launch of a new Dóchas information service on working for development within the Oireachtas which will take place on Tuesday, 25 November from 1.15 p.m. to 2 p.m. It takes place across the road in Buswell's. I would like to attend or perhaps members of the committee might like to do so in my absence.

Deputy Noel Treacy

We would be honoured for the Chairman to represent us.

Chairman

I know members would. I might not be available on the day.

Deputy Noel Treacy

I am aware the timing is difficult for us. It is an hour too early.

Chairman

We are aware of that.

Deputy Noel Treacy

Even 2 p.m. is a challenge for me.

Chairman

We have been in contact with the Russian Embassy with regard to our ongoing objective to meet the Russian ambassador and to pay a visit to Russia.

Incidentally, it is clear that the underlying tone of the discussion we have just had is that we need to keep up to date and up to speed with developments in each European country, not only those which are already members of the European Union but also those which are on the periphery or have applied for membership.

It would appear that committee members need to revisit European Union members which have a disposition in one direction or another with regard to the Lisbon treaty. It is a matter of great urgency that this is undertaken soon. It will be to the inconvenience of the committee to do so but my opinion is that time is rapidly running out. The combined wisdom one hears is that we will have a referendum over the next 12 months. To my mind, this will be too late. Many events will have occurred and Ireland's position in the European Union may have achieved a different level in terms of influence which may not be beneficial to this country and its economy.

We must face up to the influences of countries which are not well disposed to the European project. This has serious implications for this country and for its population. No matter what we do to put it out of our minds, it is a reality and it behoves the committee to assert a position on what is best for the country and its people. As elected public representatives we have a responsibility.

I propose that the committee secretariat urgently examine the possibility of members of the committee visiting a number of crucial areas within the European Union, for example, the United Kingdom. We must keep in mind that the UK has not always been to the forefront in driving the European——

Deputy Pat Breen

What about the Czech Republic?

Chairman

Yes, the Deputy is quite right. We need to visit the Czech Republic as a matter of urgency. The opinions emanating from that country do not appear to be helpful, to say the least. We need——

Deputy Pat Breen

It is particularly important, given that it will take over the Presidency in January.

Chairman

The Deputy is correct. The committee must relate to the members of national parliaments who are also members of the European affairs committees of their countries.

While attending the COSAC meeting in Paris last week I had the occasion to meet some members of various national parliaments, many of whom are looking askance at this country. The danger is that the degree of disaffection or disassociation will grow and reach a point where events may take on a life of their own.

Committee members should also meet German members of parliament again in the not too distant future, as well as representatives from four or five other member states. The secretariat may tell us that we do not have the resources to do that but that is immaterial. If we do not make the resources available to fulfil the functions that are fundamental to the work of this committee, we will pay a price for that in the longer term and events will pass us by. It is enormously important that the committee recognises the need to engage in a dialogue with members of the parliaments of other member states as soon as possible. I do not think we can wait until next year.

Deputy Noel Treacy

I concur with what the Chairman has said. There has been a failure on the part of the European Union to develop the necessary capacity and legal authority to assert its position vis-à-vis European territory, not necessarily within the Union itself. Under the European neighbourhood policy it is critically important that it has the legal power to assert its position and to ensure we can bring solid democracy to the borders of the EU. That is lacking in the legal structure of the EU as it currently stands. The Lisbon treaty would solve that problem.

There are a number of events happening that will probably assist us as we go forward, of which we must be mindful. We must keep a close eye on the Czech Presidency, including analysing documentation, meetings, attitudes and information. It must be discussed on a regular basis by this committee, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as any other relevant Department. We must be kept fully aware of how the Czech Presidency is evolving.

Chairman

We should also have a debate on the correspondence received from Commissioner Margot Wallström regarding the Commission's response to our submission.

Deputy Pat Breen

I concur with Deputy Treacy and the Chairman with regard to a visit to two countries in particular, namely, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. It is important that we meet our counterparts on the European affairs committees of those countries.

Chairman

The proposal is that we start with the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic and Germany, in that order. Is that agreed?

Deputy Pat Breen

Yes. When do we expect to make those visits?

Chairman

We should do it urgently.

Deputy Noel Treacy

We will leave it in the hands of the Chairman and the secretariat to come up with dates and times.

Chairman

I appeal to members to make themselves available for the trips. I know it is difficult to find the time and it may not be very convenient, but we have an obligation to go.

Deputy Noel Treacy

Commissioner Wallström will come to Ireland this week.

Chairman

Yes. We met her during her last visit. She will address the sub-committee on Thursday.

Deputy Noel Treacy

At what time?

Chairman

The meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Deputy Noel Treacy

Excellent. I presume non-members can sit in on that meeting.

Chairman

Yes, of course. Commissioner Wallström has been a very constructive member of the European Commission.

Deputy Noel Treacy

She is an outstanding woman.

Chairman

We will adjourn for two weeks, at which time we will receive the report from the sub-committee, unless the necessity for a meeting arises in the meantime. Is that agreed?

Deputy Noel Treacy

We will leave that to the Chairman's discretion.

Deputy Pat Breen

In the meantime, I ask that the Chairman informs us if he is travelling to the United Kingdom or elsewhere.

Chairman

I strongly advise against a small group travelling. I realise that we live in straitened times but that is not a good sign to give to other member states. We must have a delegation of at least four people.

Deputy Pat Breen

Can we have six people?

Deputy Noel Treacy

Any delegation travelling should have at least three members.

Chairman

Absolutely. A smaller delegation would indicate a lack of interest. We must regenerate interest among like-minded colleagues in the European Union. We must also have an exchange of views with those who are not like-minded.

The joint committee adjourned at 3.15 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 25 November 2008.