Seanad debates

Wednesday, 16 October 2002

European Union (Scrutiny) Bill, 2001 changed from European Union Bill, 2001: Second Stage.

 

I pay tribute to the work of the National Forum for Europe under Senator Maurice Hayes, in particular for bringing the Forum around the country in a roadshow, which brought matters in Europe down to the level of the ordinary citizen. Some of those issues are very arcane and are debated by experts using jargon, which is part of the exclusion. It is frequently said that there is an information deficit in Europe but there is not; there is a deluge of information but there is a comprehension deficit. Nobody can understand phrases like the three pillars and subsidiarity. We are not sure ourselves what subsidiarity and devolving power to the most appropriate level mean and the Forum has been useful in that respect.

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