23 Márta 2012, 16:24
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs established a Sub-Committee to lead a national debate on the new EU Treaty in advance of a referendum later in the year.
It is envisaged that the Sub-Committee on the Referendum on the Intergovernmental Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union will begin an intensive period of debate in early April.
While the program is yet to be confirmed, the Sub-Committee will hear from a range of political leaders and key voices in civil society and interest groups. Additionally, Ambassadors of European Union Member States and European Union experts will be invited to make contributions.
Chairman of the Sub-Committee Dominic Hannigan TD says: “This new Sub-Committee will play a key role in connecting the new Treaty with the Irish public in the coming months. Members intend to conduct the debate in a manner that will tease out the issues at hand, informing and enlightening the citizens we serve.
“By inviting both supporters and opponents from a range of backgrounds on the Treaty, our Sub-Committee will lead an informed and balanced debate in the run up to the referendum. Building on the significant work already undertaken by the Joint Committee, the Sub-Committee will be an arena for debating the Treaty in a comprehensive, clearheaded and inclusive manner.
“As the upcoming vote will be looked on with keen interest from Member States, the Committee will look forward to hearing views on the Treaty from voices across the European Union, as well as leading voices in politics and civil society at home.”
Call for Submissions: The Joint Committee on European Affairs has extended the deadline for submissions on the EU Fiscal Treaty. It invites submissions from those who wish to make known their views on the Treaty and its implications for Ireland. The closing date for receipt of submissions is now next Friday 30 March.
View more details and make a submission.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
Sub-Committee Membership
Deputies
Dominic Hannigan, 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