Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, this committee would have to do that. It could not be done otherwise. It might even have to meet on Monday through to Friday in order to keep up to speed and do all the things that are necessary. That should be borne in mind. If the European Union affairs committee were to have an overarching role, the sectoral committees would need to meet on a timely basis to deal with issues that were to come before the EU affairs committee, and the reports would have to come before the committee on time and on a weekly basis. Both Chambers of the Houses of the Oireachtas would need to be involved in that, be it though the committee system or whatever other way. In the House of Commons, there are more eurosceptics, whereas the House of Lords seems to be more progressive and constructive. How can we devise a system in Europe to ensure that all member states sing off one hymn sheet and go in the same direction generally at the same time without imposing on each other? That is the technique we must develop to a greater extent.