Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I have mentioned the main points that essentially need to be addressed. Other issues, such as the enhanced role of the Oireachtas, are extremely important. If we do not conduct our domestic business properly and are not involved at the beginning in drafting of services directives and legislation coming through from the European Union, and if we do not monitor it the whole way through and do not transpose it into law in a proper fashion, we are not doing our work properly. Much of that has been loosely addressed in the past. We must put in place a better mechanism to ensure all of that becomes a coherent whole from the start of the work programme that is presented at the beginning of the year by the Commission right through to its transposition and implementation here.

The question of engagement with the public is a matter for another day, but must be addressed. We must find mechanisms whereby first, this House is relevant in terms of the European Union and second, the public is also invited in to participate and engage in matters European. While we have not done that, modern technology allows us to do so and we should ensure it is done. Unless we are engaging in Europe on the floor of this House as regularly as possible, communicating with the public and inviting the public to communicate with us, I cannot see us making much progress in this arena.

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