Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
118. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the parameters of the discussions held with Ministerial colleagues at the Informal General Affairs Council in Vilnius, Lithuania on 29 and 30 August 2013; if he will provide detail of any agreements reached; if he will provide an update on matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38640/13]
View answerThe Minister of State for European Affairs attended the Informal Meeting of Ministers and Secretaries of State for European Affairs in Vilnius on 29-30 August 2013. The topic for the meeting was inter-institutional relations, and specifically the relationship between the Council and the European Parliament. The first session, with the participation of representatives from the European Parliament, focused on preparations for the European Parliament elections in May 2014. The discussions covered concerns about falling voter turnout in Member States, the impact of the economic crisis and the need to communicate actions taken at EU level more assertively to citizens.
The second session, in traditional Council format, focused on post-Lisbon relations between the Council and the Parliament. Recent Presidencies, including Ireland, shared their experiences of managing this important relationship. While there was consensus that co-decision with the Parliament works well, some practical suggestions for improvement were made including the early involvement of the incoming Presidency in trilogue negotiations with the Parliament. The discussion also emphasised the importance of the Council’s own institutional agenda in ensuring adherence to the Treaties. It was agreed that the Lithuanian Presidency would follow up with recommendations based on the discussions.
