Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

Ireland takes a full and active part in the elaboration of EC laws which go through a rigorous preparation process. Irish Ministers and officials are constantly involved in the EU legislative process on a daily basis, shaping the rules and policies of the European Union. Suggestions that there is a lack of democratic input at EU level are also wide of the mark. They ignore the key role of the European Parliament in decision making and the increasingly important role of the Oireachtas itself in EU affairs. It also overlooks the fact that the governments of member states have a democratic and, in Ireland's case, a constitutional mandate, to contribute to law making at European level.

As a Member of this House for almost 25 years, I would not stand over any sidelining of the Oireachtas or lessening of our democratic role as the elected representatives of the Irish people.

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