Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Butler. I like the idea of bringing the ambassadors before the committee. This is the first occasion on which that suggestion has been made. Not only would their coming before us be helpful for the ambassadors, it would also provide the committee with an overview in respect of various matters. There is a need to recognise the sensitive nature of the diplomatic job which ambassadors do, but it would be positive if we extended invitations to them to come before us. For example, we could invite the US ambassador to appear before us to discuss immigration reform or those from Brazil, China and Russia to discuss improving trade relations. We would not have to subject them to a grilling, rather our proceedings could be framed as a conversation designed to allow us to get to know one another. It would be very useful if ambassadors from the countries to which Ireland gives aid came before the committee in order that we might have oversight with regard to what is happening and be kept abreast of developments. I am definitely in favour of the suggestion.

On the Minister of the day coming before the committee, that is the norm in many European countries. It is also the norm in such countries that the chair of the foreign affairs committee is a member of the Opposition and that there is a balance in the context of composition, namely, that there are equal numbers of Opposition and Government members. Would our guests see it as a positive move if we were to follow the example of our European neighbours? I am of the view that it would probably make Parliament more democratic if that were to happen. People may frown upon the idea that the Opposition might have a majority on this committee. However, it must be remembered that the number of occasions on which matters are put to a vote at meetings of this committee are few and far between. I am of the view that following the example of our European counterparts would be a positive move. Is Mr. Butler in a position to provide positive examples of member states where that is the norm?

I agree with the suggestion that membership of Oireachtas committees should be open to MEPs, particularly in the context of their knowledge with regard to European legislation, etc. MEPs are allowed to attend our meetings-----