Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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There is something that has occurred to me for a long time. Some of us have been fortunate enough to have a lot of interaction with the European institutions, including dealing with the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council and being involved in bilateral meetings. Deputy Harkin has particular expertise having lived in Europe. However, many Members of the Houses do not know how these institutions work. Part of the work we should be thinking about is educating ourselves with regard, specifically, to the institutions work. It is important for us to understand that too. The thing that has always struck me is that there is no proper training for Members when they arrive in the Houses, even training about the functioning of the House, never mind further afield. It is something we need to put on the agenda of the Houses.