James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I join other Members in welcoming the President of the European Parliament to share his views with us and wish him well in the remainder of his term.

Some nine days before polling day we are still debating the issues and, as Senator Ormonde said, there is much explaining to be done for ordinary citizens. Many of the directives from Brussels come in large documents. Therefore, there should be simplified documentation from the European Union. It is important to bring citizens closer to the institutions in Brussels. I would like to hear Mr. Cox's views on what he proposes to do about this. Will the European Union over-rule the Oireachtas on the reintroduction of water charges on the basis of the water charges directive? This is an issue that concerns citizens and must be dealt with.