Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

During the debate on the Lisbon treaty campaign, many arguments were thrown at Members, one of them being that 80% of our legislation now comes from Brussels. Members are aware this is completely untrue and the correct figure probably is more like 20%. Certainly, since I became a Member of this House, this has been the only item of legislation with which I have dealt that has origins in Brussels. It is a necessary item of legislation, which is highly relevant and beneficial to the environment, as well as to the health of the citizens. I am pleased Members were able to deal with it in such a rapid period. I thank the Minister of State and the officials involved for taking on board the principles of the amendments I tabled.

Were I to get the opportunity in future to address any meetings in the manner described by the Minister of State, I certainly would commend the new legislation in such a forum.

See this speech in context