Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. That is very important.

With regard to our record of the several thousand transpositions going back over the 50 years of our EU membership, in only four instances has Ireland ever been fined by the ECJ. This is a very strong record in terms of any objective person looking in and measuring where we got to. We went into our previous Presidency with no cases against us. I am working through the interdepartmental group to try to ensure that we get this figure back down to zero before our next Presidency.

As a democrat I always respect the parliamentary process. The procedure is very clear at present, whereby directives go before sectoral committees. As it stands, this is the opportunity for the Oireachtas to adjudicate and give reasoned opinions, as I referenced in my opening statement. Under no circumstances is the Government bypassing any of this long-held procedure.

I also want to very clearly put on record that I hope the committee adds value to the process. This is what we are here today to do. We want to add value to this and bring additional transparency to the heart of the citizen and try to improve the link between the citizen and the EU. I will work constructively with the committee to do this to the satisfaction of the members.