asked the Minister for the Environment if he considers it appropriate that Irish members of the European Parliament can also be Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas; if the Government have any plans to introduce legislation to prevent the operation of the dual mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oireachtas-EEC Parliament Membership.
25.
A decision of the Council of Ministers dated 20 September 1976 laid down certain conditions applicable in every member state to the election of representatives to the European Assembly. These include the provision that the office of representative in the Assembly shall be compatible with membership of the Parliament of a member state. I am advised that having regard to this provision, it is not open to a member state in its national law to forbid the dual mandate.
The initial part of the question asks whether the Minister considers it appropriate that Irish Members of the European Parliament can also be members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. In asking whether it is appropriate, I am asking whether he considers that they can do two jobs and whether experience shows that they have been efficient Members of this House or of the European Parliament. Could the Minister say what his views are?
On a personal basis, I was a Member of the European Parliament and of this House for eight years and at each election I was re-elected. I assume that people in the Wicklow constituency considered that I did my job adequately. Regarding the merits or demerits of the dual mandate there are differing views. It cannot be forbidden by national law and whether to seek to operate the dual mandate is a matter for individual candidates and their parties.