15 MFómh 2011, 15:47
The Committee on European Union Affairs has called on EU Energy Commissioner Gunter Oettinger to withdraw his unacceptable remarks that the national flags of “deficit sinners” be flown at half mast as a symbol and deterrent.
The Committee unanimously passed the following resolution:
The Joint Committee on European Union Affairs is dismayed at the recent remarks made by EU Energy Commissioner, Mr Gunter Oettinger appearing to propose that the national flags of “deficit sinners” be flown at half mast as a symbol and deterrent. The Joint Committee believes it would be a powerful symbol but one of arrogance, ignorance and divisiveness that would not reflect the principles of the European Union.
The European Union is facing an historic challenge posed by the financial and economic crisis and the Joint Committee acknowledges the assistance provided to Ireland by the Member States of the European Union in dealing with our current difficult situation.
Ireland and its citizens have had to make sacrifices in order to set our country on course for recovery. In this respect Ireland and its citizens have done everything that has so far been required of it, both in the interests of our own future and the future of the European Union as a whole. Ireland needs the European Union and the European Union needs Ireland.
Ireland was ready to offer support to Greece when needed and is grateful for the support provided by our partners in the European Union, support offered in the spirit of solidarity between equal sovereign nations engaged in a Union promoting common democratic goals.
The Joint Committee finds the Commissioners remarks not just careless, irresponsible and inappropriate but also lacking in an understanding of the complexity of the economic realities and the seriousness of the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens in Ireland and across Europe. A nation’s national flag is a proud symbol of a country and its citizens and should be treated with respect.
The Joint Committee calls on the Commissioner to withdraw his unacceptable remarks, to acknowledge that such remarks are damaging and to affirm that only in working together as friendly and respectful nations can Europe be restored and its future secured.
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee on European Union Affairs
Membership
Deputies
Joe Costello, TD (Chairman)
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Timmy Dooley, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
Colm Keaveney, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
Joe O’Reilly, TD
Mick Wallace, TD
Senators
Colm Burke,
Fidelma Healy Eames,
James Heffernan,
Terry Leyden,
Kathryn Reilly