David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The House of Commons makes a very interesting point in this regard. It notes the following: "In the explanatory memorandum, the Commission's subsidiarity analysis does not consider whether the stated objectives are necessary, only that they can better be achieved at EU level." The issue, therefore, is whether the proposal is necessary and if the stated objectives will be better achieved by this means.

If members have concluded questions and comments, I ask Mr. Fennel to brief the joint committee on the second proposal.