Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The report on the development of relations between the European Parliament and national parliaments under the Lisbon treaty was adopted by the European Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs on 13 March 2009. Following debate in plenary session, it was adopted by the European Parliament on 7 May 2009.

I welcome the report's conclusion that the enhanced role for national parliaments under the Lisbon treaty will "contribute to stronger democratic control and bring the Union closer to the citizen". That was a point I made repeatedly during the Government's campaign for a "Yes" vote in the Lisbon referendum.

The report takes stock of current relations between the European Parliament and national parliaments and addresses a number of recommendations to national parliaments on how these might be improved in the future. I note that it proposes "new forms of pre- and post-legislative dialogue" and advocates strengthening of the network of meetings between corresponding committees of the European Parliament and national parliaments. The report also urges various innovations from the national parliaments such as the right for MEPs to participate in meetings of European affairs committees of national parliaments.

It is a matter for the Oireachtas to judge how best to respond to the report's proposals and suggestions. The Oireachtas has already shown its willingness to engage with the European Parliament, including by allowing for the attendance of Irish MEPs at the Joint Committee on European Affairs. In making arrangements for closer relations with the European Parliament, it will be important to have due regard for the role of COSAC, the Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of the European Union.

Domestic preparations are in hand to give effect to the new role of the Oireachtas, as under the Lisbon treaty, and in particular the provisions of protocols 1 and 2 of the treaty. The European Union Act 2009 gives effect to the relevant provisions of the Lisbon treaty in the domestic law of the State and section 7 of that Act provides for the new powers of the Houses of the Oireachtas under the terms of the treaty.

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