Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Mitchell, MEP, called for optimism and I agree. Then we heard Mr. Murphy, MEP, advocate the kinds of demonstrations we see throughout Europe, the aim of which is unclear to me. As he is a member of the international trade committee, I was hoping he might have addressed an issue of concern to me, which is the proposed trade agreement between the EU and the US. Perhaps he might come back to me on that one.

We should certainly debate the delicate issue of common defence and security policy. I am delighted Ireland is supporting the training of the Malian army. We are very proud of the work our soldiers and gardaí do in the international arena. Rather than concentrate on the common defence and security policy perhaps we should look more closely at home. While I do not know how it operates throughout Europe, is this the democratic forum that MEPs have to relate back to the constituents? There seems to be an incredible gap between the work they do in Europe and their relationship with the people on the ground who elect them. Is this the only step from Europe, down to the national Parliament and down to the people? Are other formulae in operation elsewhere in Europe that create this democratic legitimacy and accountability we are trying to address?

In asking us to concentrate on Europe as it is today, there is an argument that there is considerable picking and choosing as things stand today in Europe. While my statistics might not be correct, if there are 28 states, perhaps 15 are in the eurozone. I believe Estonia might have applied.