Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Vice President. This is a very timely debate. I read President Barroso's speech with interest and I know that many members of the committee, as well as others, have been very interested to hear his proposals and suggestions. The Irish people are very engaged in the European project - more so now because of the economic situation but also because of our system of government.

We had two referenda in the case of both the Nice treaty and the Lisbon treaty and, more recently, a referendum on the fiscal compact. An issue that emerged in the first campaign on the Lisbon treaty, and a major factor in its rejection by the Irish people, was the perception that we might lose our right to have a permanent Commissioner. The appointment of an Irish Commissioner is seen as essential for the good of the country. By the time of the second Lisbon treaty campaign, the proposals regarding the composition of the Commission had changed, which was an important factor in the ratification of the proposal.

Ms Reding stated in a paper she delivered in May that the European Parliament should have the exclusive right to elect the Commission. How does she see this proposal squaring with the need, as far as small countries like Ireland are concerned, to ensure each member state has its own Commissioner?

I agree with Ms Reding that involving citizens in the European project is essential. The paper by ten foreign affairs Ministers, published last week, offers several interesting proposals, including the introduction of a second Chamber and a strengthening of the powers of committees. Does Ms Reding have any particular views on how these suggestions might help to extend democracy in the European Union?

I will now take questions from members, beginning with Deputy Timmy Dooley.