Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I welcome Mr. McCartin to the House, thank him for his very informative and positive contribution on Europe and wish him well. Senator Higgins raised the issue of the distance that exists between the public and the EU institutions. One issue that arose in the Seanad during our examination of Seanad reform is whether we could play a bigger role in monitoring European affairs. Today's debate is part of this process. Does Mr. McCartin have any thoughts on how our national Parliament could link up better with the European Union and the Irish MEPs. Should we adopt any structures in that regard?