The first referendum outcome also reflected a feeling held by some that EU legislation was somehow being imposed without their representatives in the Dáil and Seanad having the opportunity to examine it properly. As the House will be aware, the Joint Committee on European Affairs is now at the centre of new scrutiny measures which ensure every legislative or policy proposal coming from the European Union can be given appropriate consideration in the Oireachtas. Work began in July and, through the European Union (Scrutiny) Act, 2002, the arrangements have now been put on a statutory footing. Our arrangements are now on a par with those operating in any member state and infinitely superior to those in most.