3 May 2013, 16:52
The Houses of the Oireachtas will mark Europe Day during a series of special debates and events which take place in the Dáil, Seanad and in various Oireachtas Committees from Tuesday, 7th May to Thursday, 9th May.
Featured business will include:
- Dáil Éireann to hear Statements on Europe Day;
- Address to Seanad Éireann by the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Ms. Máire Geoghegan Quinn on the “Role of Research, Innovation and Science in Supporting the Development of the Irish Economy; and
- Discussion on the “Future of Europe” with Mr.David Lidington, MP, Minister for Europe, United Kingdom to the Joint Committee on European Affairs
Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett, TD said: “I am delighted that Dáil Éireann has an opportunity to mark Europe Day by focusing our work next week on the European Union. This now annual feature of the parliamentary calendar helps us to highlight the fact that many of the decisions originating in the EU impact directly on all the lives of the citizens of the individual Member States. In addition, I am pleased that new procedures will be in place to allow the Parliamentary Steering Group give direction as to how Parliament will deal with matters emanating from Europe.
Cathaoirleach, Senator Paddy Burke said: “I am looking forward to welcoming Ireland’s EU Commissioner, Máire Geoghegan Quinn to Seanad Éireann where she will speak on the Role of Research, Innovation and Science in Supporting the Development of the Irish Economy. If we want the EU and Ireland to emerge from our present economic difficulties and address the challenges facing us, we will have to innovate and invest in research and development to create sustainable jobs.”
Oireachtas proceedings can be followed live here.
For further information please contact:
Cáit Hayes,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3883
M: 087-9190300
F: +3531 618 4551
Notes for the Editor:
Schedule for Events, as follows:
Tuesday, 7 May
2 p.m. Main Hall, Leinster House Photocall for Europe Week: Ceann Comhairle, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad and Committee Chairs (launch of EU Scrutiny Work Programme 2013, Joint Committees’ Priorities).
2.15 p.m. LH 2000 Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine [Update on CAP and Common Fisheries Policy - Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine]
2 p.m. LH 2000 Joint Committee on European Union Affairs [Democratic Legitimacy and Accountability in the EU - Minister of State for European Affairs, Ms Lucinda Creighton, TD]
Dáil Éíreann and Seanad Éíreann, Motions to adopt EU Scrutiny Work Programme 2013, Joint Committees’ Priorities Dáil Éíreann Motion re New Standing Order on Consideration of European Affairs
Wednesday, 8 May
9.30 a.m. LH 2000 Joint Committee on Transport and Communications [Pre-EU Education, Youth and Culture Council Meeting - Minister of State at Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr Michael Ring, TD]
12.30 p.m - 2 p.m. Seanad Chamber Address by the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn on “the role of research, innovation and science in supporting the development of the Irish economy.”
2.30 p.m. LH 2000 Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade [EU Neighbourhood Policy, Enlargement of the European Union and Developments in the OSCE - Minister of State for European Affairs, Ms Lucinda Creighton, TD]
3 p.m. LH 2000 Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality [Six monthly Reports (Jan-June and July December 2012) on Developments in the EU - Secretary General, Department of Defence]
4.30 p.m. LH 2000 Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform [Pre-ECOFIN Council meeting - Minister For Finance, Mr Michael Noonan, TD]
5.25 p.m - 7.30 p.m. Dáil Chamber, Statements on Europe Day (working title)
Thursday, 9 May
[Europe Day]
10 a.m. Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform [Six monthly Report (July December 2012) on Developments in the EU - Officials from Department of Finance]
11.15 a.m. LH2000 Joint Committee on European Union Affairs [The Future of Europe - British Minister for Europe, Mr David Lidington, MP]
2 p.m. LH 2000 Joint Committee on European Union Affairs [Post and Pre General Affairs Council Meeting and Presidency briefing - Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade]