Councillor Patrick McGowan:

I thank the committee for inviting us to this meeting. My name is Patrick McGowan. I am the head of the Irish delegation and represent the north west. I will share my presentation with a number of my colleagues, Councillors McDonnell, Hanniffy and O'Donoghue.

The Committee of the Regions was established in 1994 to represent local and regional government in the EU decision-making process. In April, it will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Over the years, its status and powers have been enhanced by successive EU treaties. As an advisory body composed of elected representatives, the committee provides other EU institutions with a view and experiences of local and regional levels of government. Under the Lisbon treaty, the Committee of the Regions is limited to 350 members from the 28 EU member states, with an equal number of alternative members. The committee's mandate is set at five years. The current term will continue to the beginning of 2015.

The Committee of the Regions presents its views as detailed written opinions in response to legislative and other proposals from the European Commission or requests from the Council and Parliament. However, the committee can also issue opinions and resolutions on its own initiative. Annually, the Committee of the Regions adopts approximately 70 opinions across a range of EU policy issues, such as economics, social policy, territorial cohesion, education and training, transport, environment, energy, agriculture, etc. It encompasses most major issues. Once adopted, opinions are forwarded to the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers and other interested parties for consideration at the decision-making stages.

The wide range of opinion is indicative of the range of competences of the EU and the increasing demands on the committee's members. While the committee's opinions are advisory and non-binding, it is usually the first to respond to a Commission proposal and, as such, our opinions highlight particular issues and influence the debate in other institutions. Members of the Commission and the European Parliament and representatives of the European Presidency participate in Committee of the Regions meetings, approximately 90% of which are held in Brussels.

My colleague, Councillor McDonnell, will say a few words about the work of the Irish delegation.