Seanad debates
Wednesday, 20 November 2002
European Communities (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage.
There is a select committee which cannot include Senators because it deals only with legislation. Could Senators who are interested in the subject become involved? I am only coming to grips with the subject and must ask questions. I understand the concept of the European Convention and that it is made up of parliamentarians, ministers, MEPs and members of the Commission. Will the Convention reach out to European citizens? I am a little unclear on this and would like the Minister to explain it. There are a number of elements, the select committee, the joint Oireachtas committee, the Houses of the Oireachtas, the Council of Ministers and the Commission and we can become bogged down. We need to clarify our role in reaching out to members of the public to reassure them that we reflect their views. It is why I am here and what I have to do. I want to give people feedback on how we are doing and how we can shape the future of Europe.
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