European Union Affairs Committee to discuss EU audit results, election plans

The meeting at 2 p.m. in Committee Room 1 can be viewed live here and on Android and Apple devices using the Houses of the Oireachtas app.

Scheduled witnesses include

• Tony Murphy, the Irish member of the European Court of Auditors. The ECA is the independent external auditor for EU institutions and agencies.
• James Temple-Smithson, the head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland. The next European Parliament elections are scheduled for 23-26 May 2019.

Committee members will discuss with Mr. Murphy the ECA’s annual audit of EU revenue and expenditure published Oct. 4.

“The European Court of Auditors’ Annual Report provides a detailed analysis of how the European Union manages its finances. The EU spent more than €100 billion last year, and it is important that we know it is spent right,” said Committee Chairman Michael Healy-Rae TD.

The Committee will explore with Mr. Temple-Smithson the European Parliament’s election preparations and the expected impact of Brexit on the Parliament, which is reducing in size from 751 to 705 members.

“The 2019 European Parliament elections will be crucial in shaping the future of Europe,” Deputy Healy-Rae said. “The EU has faced significant challenges in recent years, and the elections offer a valuable opportunity for citizens to make their voice heard. It’s important that we are well prepared for the changes coming.”

A June 2018 agreement to redistribute some of the UK’s European Parliament seats means that Ireland’s representation will increase by two seats to 13. A report commissioned by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government in September recommended that the constituencies of Dublin and Midlands-North-West should elect four members each, while South would have five.