Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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The witnesses have provided much food for thought. It is a very interesting discussion and I appreciate their attendance to give their opinions on it. We should recognise that the EU in many respects has been good for Ireland in terms of social legislation. The environmental people appeared before the committee earlier and we agreed that Europe was responsible for much of our environmental legislation. Europe also has been responsible for much of our social legislation which we would not have got around to without it. Dr. Healy in particular presents a very negative picture of the European Union, calling it an economic project.

He mentioned the words "deregulation", "privatisation" and all that went on there, "neoliberal policies", all that kind of thing. He seems to be suggesting that is why there is euroscepticism. He also went on to say there is a democratic deficit as well. Why do the witnesses think we are in the state we are in, why is Europe in the state it is in and what has to be done? The European Parliament is democratic. The Heads of State and Government who attend European Council meetings are elected in a democratic manner. Presumably, the problem is with the Commission. Are the witnesses suggesting reform of the institutions, particularly the European Commission and treaty change in that regard?

The other question I have is in on Ireland's membership of the European Union. Would they suggest that Ireland should leave the EU in any circumstance? The witnesses have indicated "No" to that. Therefore, they believe it is capable of reform and responding to the citizens and their wishes. That question is answered.

I am interested in this sixth scenario. The previous witnesses here also were promoting the sixth scenario. That is something we need to delve into and examine carefully as well. As they have answered the question on remaining in the European Union, my main question then is on why we are in the state we are in and whether there is a problem with our institutions. In particular, it seems that the European Commission probably needs some sort of reform.