21 Feabh 2013, 18:47
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs this afternoon heard economists from TASC and UCC discuss the implications for Ireland of an evolving economic and monetary union. This was inaugural meeting of a national debate the Committee is leading on Ireland and the European Union during the Irish Presidency.
21 February 2013
Nat O'Connor and Tom McDonnell, representing independent think-tank TASC, and Seamus Coffey from UCC spoke on EU financial, budgetary and economic integration.
Chairman of the Committee Dominic Hannigan TD said: “We heard insightful contributions this afternoon to kickstart a national debate on the future of the European Union. The Committee takes on board the point that, although economic and monetary policy comprises a relatively small component of text of the EU’s Treaties, it is having a major influence in an evolving European Union. With the discussions on closer integration advancing at European Union level, our Committee intends to engage Irish citizens and civil society to ensure that they are at the forefront of this debate. Appropriate monetary and fiscal policy convergence will be key to fostering employment and growth that is so badly needed across Europe.
\"We acknowledge the comments from our speakers that EMU has had major flaws in its construction which now need to be addressed. The debate this afternoon highlighted the need for closer integration to create a durable EMU on the one hand, while ensuring that National parliaments retain a key role in ensuring democratic accountability and legitimacy.”
Call for Submissions: The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs is leading a national debate on Ireland and the future of the European Union. As part of this process, the Committee is inviting submissions from individual members of the public and organisations on the future of the European Union and Ireland’s role in that Union. The closing date for receipt of submissions is 29 March 2013. Read more and make a submission.
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Paul Hand,
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Committee Membership
Deputies
Dominic Hannigan, TD (Chairman)
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Seán Crowe, TD
Timmy Dooley, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
John Halligan, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Joe O’Reilly, TD
Senators
Colm Burke,
Fidelma Healy Eames,
James Heffernan,
Terry Leyden,
Kathryn Reilly