asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he considers it necessary to seek an amendment to No. 2 of Article 9 of the draft convention on direct elections to the European Parliament which refers to the fixing of a date for the holding of a European election, taking into consideration the situation in relation to some of the islands on the west coast.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Parliament Direct Elections.
79.
The full text of article 9 of the draft convention on direct elections to the European Parliament, which was adopted by the Parliament itself at its plenary session of 14th January, 1975, states, and I quote:
1. Elections to the European Parliament shall be held on the same day in all the member States.
2. Any member State may, however, decide to hold the elections one day earlier or later than the fixed date or to spread them over two consecutive days including that day.
3. The Council shall make arrangements in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 14, to ensure that the election results are declared at one and the same time.
As the Deputy is undoubtedly aware the provisions of the draft convention at the present time represent the proposals of the Parliament only, on which the Council is expected to act by 31st December, 1976. There is therefore plenty of time for the member states to make the appropriate amendments to the existing provisions of the draft convention taking into account factors such as the one raised by the Deputy, if this is considered necessary. In any event provision for amending the draft convention already exists under article 14 should it appear that further measures are required to implement direct elections to the Parliament and that the necessary powers are not provided for in the draft as it stands.