European Parliament Membership

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 May 2013

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Questions (114)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

114. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in view of the fact that Ireland and the medium-sized EU countries are the most adversely affected by the European Parliament's recent decision to reallocate MEP seats, and in view of the fact that there is still no clarification on the Council position, the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union is prepared to liaise with similarly affected EU member states in order to ensure that adequate time is afforded to the redrawing of constituencies here if necessary; if he has a negotiation strategy to ensure that Ireland will not lose further seats in 2019, 2024 and beyond; if Ireland will accept the loss of an MEP seat without ensuring that there are no further losses in years to come; if Ireland has a veto on this matter; if Ireland alone could in fact block the reduction of MEP seats at Council level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21162/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In exercise of its right of initiative under Article 14.2 of the Treaty on European Union, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on 13 March 2013 on the composition of the Parliament with a view to the 2014 elections. It is a matter for the President of the European Council to bring it to the European Council for decision. I understand that it is intended to do so in a timely fashion to allow for the necessary arrangements to be made at national level in Member States in good time for the 2014 elections. The Government does not view the current proposal as providing a basis for further adjustments to the composition of the European Parliament beyond the 2014 elections. In this context, we note the intention of the European Parliament, as outlined in its resolution, to submit, before the end of 2015 and in good time for the 2019 elections, a new proposal for a decision of the European Council, with the aim of establishing a durable and transparent system which, in future before each election, will allow seats to be apportioned amongst Member States in an objective manner, based on the principle of degressive proportionality as required by the Treaty and taking account of any increase in the number of Member States and demographic trends in their population. The resolution was adopted by a substantial majority in the European Parliament. When the decision of the European Council is taken, it must be consented to by the Parliament. Our approach will be considered in this context.