John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I join in the general welcome to the MEPs and concur that this is a special day in this House. I welcome in particular, Eoin Ryan, MEP, who is present and Brian Crowley, MEP, who is on his way from the airport. As a member of the Joint Committee on European Affairs it was a matter of considerable pride for me to attend yesterday in Luxembourg the 33rd plenary session of COSAC, the umbrella group for those committees and inform it of this event. There was considerable surprise and admiration for the fact that a debate of this nature had been arranged. I hope it will be one of a number of ongoing debates. I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Leader for their role in arranging this debate.

This event helps to bring the European Parliament closer to the citizens of the Union by affording a platform within the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, who is present, was also very active in this regard when he was a Minister of State with responsibility for these matters. He held an important conference in Wicklow about aspects of this work. This is a good day and we look forward to what our guests have to say.