Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

The Tánaiste has stated Ireland has a tradition of including wording to ensure it meets its European or international obligations. However, Members also have domestic obligations to citizens and the lack of a democratic component to this intergovernmental entity conflicts with such obligations. I consider this democratic element to be extremely important. I am fairly sure it was the Lisbon treaty that enhanced the role of the European Parliament in strengthening democratic oversight of the European Union. This happened because it was generally acknowledged that people were moving away from or were less supportive of the Union. I acknowledge this is partially due to people, including Members, blaming the European Union for particular matters when it was inappropriate to so do. Nevertheless, while an enhanced role was provided for the European Parliament to strengthen the democratic component of the European Union, this measure proposes going into reverse gear in this regard. The entire democratic aspect is pretty much being replaced by bureaucracy and the stronger countries in Europe which, essentially, are dictating what should take place. While I do not believe the Tánaiste and I will agree on this issue, I emphasise strongly my belief democracy will lose today, even if the people have an opportunity to vote in the referendum. This is because the wording, if passed, will dilute the right of Irish people to determine matters because this provision is open-ended. For this reason alone, I have concerns about the wording.

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