Seanad debates
Wednesday, 16 October 2002
European Union (Scrutiny) Bill, 2001 changed from European Union Bill, 2001: Second Stage.
Between the lines of the Bill I see two baleful influences working together. The first is the customary struggle between the Executive and the Legislature which we have discussed. Whenever it gets the chance, each Government seeks to sideline Parliament and reduce its influence. It is an unnecessary policy in a system such as ours where the Government always has a majority in both Houses. It is a foolish policy which does not make sense because it creates an unnecessary barrier between the Government and the people.
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