Phil Hogan
Ceist:14 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make proposals for the purpose of effectively promoting the democratic dimension of European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Treaty on European Union.
The Treaty on European Union entered into force on 1 November. The Treaty contains a number of provisions designed to promote and reinforce the democratic dimension of the European Union.
First, the Parliament will have a right of co-decision with the Council in a number of areas of Community policy. Second, Parliament's assent will be required where the Community takes action on various issues such as the conclusion of international agreements. Third, the Parliament must approve the appointment of the European Commission. Fourth, Parliament's involvement in policy making is strengthened through the extension of its right of consultation. In addition the Treaty provides for improved contact between the European Parliament and national parliaments.
As a result of these provisions the European Parliament will be much more closely involved in the preparation of Community legislation. As the conclusions of the Brussels European Council point out, Parliament's powers relating to the political and administrative control of the executive will be increased.
On 25 October, the Council, the Commission and the Parliament agreed on the practical arrangements which will enable the Parliament's new functions under the Treaty to operate efficiently. These arrangements have yet to be tested in practice. I believe, however, that they will considerably increase the role of the European Parliament and, in conjunction with the role of the Council and national parliaments, will appreciably improve democratic accountability.
At this stage, therefore, it would not be timely or desirable for me to make proposals involving a review of a Treaty which has just entered into force. The Treaty, however, contains provisions for a review of the scope of co-decision to be carried out on the basis of a report to the Council to be submitted by the Commission by 1996 at the latest. Ireland will contribute to the debate on the report in the light of our experience of the new provisions.
In view of the experience of the Danish Government in the referendum on the Treaty on European Union and, indeed, of the French Government in respect of the same matter, would the Minister agree that it is important to bring the issues relating to developments in Europe closer to the people? It is unfair for small nations such as Denmark and Ireland to carry the can, as it were, for the larger nations in implementing the new treaties that will arise in the context of the next intergovernmental conference in 1996. Now is the time to put in place structures and information networks to ensure that the Irish people are well informed of the decisions that will have to be made post-1996 or in the context of the 1996 referenda. Can he indicate more precisely, because this question has been asked previously in the House, his views on what structures should be put in place and what he has in mind to ensure that the Irish people are well informed of the importance of the decisions which will be made?
I have no difficulty in agreeing with the Deputy's remarks regarding the difficulties experienced by certain countries in relation to ratification of the Maastricht Treaty. I was extremely critical of the whole manner in which the Maastricht Treaty was handled, because a great deal of information was not made available to the voters until the last moment. Also, one accepts that the Maastricht Treaty is extremely complex. We are now in a better position, particularly since the establishment of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, to ensure that there is adequate time to debate any changes and any improvements that have to be made.
As I pointed out, the Maastricht Treaty has only entered into force. We must learn from the experience before making any new proposals but certainly the questions of accountability, openness and transparency are extremely important. I hope there will be greater involvement by national parliaments in the activities of the European Union. This issue is dealt with in the declaration attached to the Treaty on European Union. In fact, this very week I understand that members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs are in Brussels and Strasbourg. This is in the spirit of the declaration made in relation to European Union. Through the Sub-Committee on European Community Legislation of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs itself, we can ensure that not only are we better informed on European issues, which are complex by their very nature, but that the general public will also be better informed.
Would the Minister agree that the committee of the regions will play a meaningful role in removing some of the democratic deficit that people experience in this country? Would he agree that the establishment by his colleague, the Minister for the Environment, of the regional development authorities will assist in that process by seeking funding for various community initiatives from the European Community? In view of the fact that I received a parliamentary reply from the Minister some time ago indicating that appointments to the committee of the regions would be made by the regional development authorities, can he now explain the reason the Government has decided to make these appointments unilaterally? This is not in the spirit of the Treaty on European Union or in the spirit of the committee of the regions.
My understanding is that the Minister for the Environment has primary responsibility for bringing names forward to Government. Article 198 (A) of the Treaty on European Union, establishing the committee of the regions, states that the committee should consist of representatives of local and regional bodies. Obviously, that will be the position. Until the bodies are set up they will not be in a position to bring forward nominations. I agree with the Deputy that this will be an extremely important committee in relation to its involvement with Europe at the highest level. Also it is important to ensure that local government has direct access to Europe.
I have two questions. First, in relation to the committee of the regions, is the Minister aware that apparently a secret list of names was submitted — but not published — to the Presidency of the European Union prior to the Brussels Summit? Is the Minister aware that one of his own councillors — Councillor Nash — it on that list? Is he in a position even now to tell us who is on the list, why business was done in that fashion and does he not think it is entirely contrary to the type of approach advocated by my colleague, Deputy Hogan? Second, while we are talking about openness, there will be an intergovernmental conference in a couple of years' time which will focus on the question of a common defence policy. Can the Minister tell us whether he is in favour of a common defence policy so that we can debate the issue in a real sense in a transparent way in the months and years ahead?
That is an issue Fine Gael are always trying to advance at a fast pace. My understanding is that it was hoped to submit the names to the council meeting, but the Portuguese Government have indicated they will not be in a position to nominate until January next year. There is not question of secret nominations. I suspect the Deputy's party leader was consulted in relation to drawing up the list. The Government have to advance names if there is no other process. Perhaps the deputy leader would be able to inform the Deputy.
I certainly was not consulted.
In relation to the 1996 agenda, as I said to Deputy De Rossa, I will have no difficulty in coming before this House or before the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and bringing forward documentation and papers in relation to all the options available to us in the European Community. It has been made very clear in the Programme for a Partnership Government that if there are to be changes in relation to Ireland's traditional stance the people will have to be consulted. I would have no difficulty in coming before Deputy O'Keeffe and his colleagues on the committee and bringing forward views on behalf of the Government.
It is generally believed in circles in Brussels that the Government has already decided there will be seven from Fianna Fáil, five from Labour and one from Fine Gael appointed to the committee of the regions. Can the Minister indicate whether that information is accurate? Can he indicate whether proposals for the appointment of these representatives will be brought before the House? The Minister has indicated that it is his understanding that the Leader of the Fine Gael Party may have been consulted in regard to the issue. Will he clarify whether other party leaders have been consulted because I certainly have not been consulted?
I am not sure where the Deputy is getting his information but it is my understanding that there will be nine members on the Committee of the Regions.
I understand the number is 13.
It is nine members. Whoever is telling that story in Brussels is not working from the factual information. As I said, primary responsibility rests with the Minister for the Environment and I am sure he will come before this House and that consultations will take place.
Because there is a problem with the Portuguese in appointing the Committee of the Regions, it will not go ahead until January. In view of that will the Tánaiste revert to what he suggested in a parliamentary reply some time ago and allow the regional development authorities — which the Government is establishing in any case — to make these appointments. That would show some semblance of democratic accountability for the appointments being made, which is clearly the spirit enshrined in the Maastricht Treaty.
It should not be overloaded with Government spokesmen, which causes another problem, or with Members from Kerry.
I am well aware of Deputy O'Keeffe's desire for balance in all matters.
Ballast.
I will bear that in mind. As I said to Deputy Hogan, this is a matter for the Minister for the Environment and I am sure he will bring forward proposals.
I am proceeding now to Question No. 18 in the name of Deputy Mary Flaherty. This question was grouped to be taken with Priority Question No. 4, which was not reached.