7 May 2013, 09:59
Minister for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton TD this afternoon meets with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on EU Affairs as part of its series of discussions on the future of the European Union. The meeting will focus on how best to underpin democratic legitimacy and accountability in the European integration process.
7 May 2013
Chairman of the Committee Dominic Hannigan TD says: “Europe’s response to the economic crisis of recent years has shaken the levels of public trust in the EU in a number of Member States, including Ireland. In recent months our Committee has debated widely on how to secure democratic legitimacy and accountability in an evolving European Union. As the European Union shifts from crisis management mode to a more proactive approach, we will explore with Minister Creighton what she sees as the steps necessary to bolster public confidence in Europe's capacity to deliver for its citizens.
“A common thread running through much of our recent debates was that national parliaments have an vital role to play in shaping the future of the European Union, particularly in underpinning the credibility of moves towards genuine Economic and Monetary Union. It was pointed out that initiatives such as the European Semester Process present an opportunity for the Houses of the Oireachtas, and its Committee system in particular, to make an enhanced contribution to decision making at EU and national levels. We look forward to engaging with the Minister on what she sees are the steps necessary to better connect the European Union with the citizen.”
The meeting takes place at 2 pm this afternoon Tuesday 7 May in Committee Room 1, LH 2000. Committee proceedings can be followed live here.
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Call for Submissions : The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs is leading a national debate on Ireland and the future of the European Union. As part of this process, the Committee is inviting submissions from individual members of the public and organisations on the future of the European Union and Ireland’s role in that Union. Read more and make a submission: www.euaffairs.ie
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,Dublin 2
P: +353 1 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926