Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State and the legislation. I agree with him on its necessity and urgency in some respects. It stems from the Supreme Court judgments of 2003 and 2005. I could ask why we have been waiting almost three years since the 2003 judgment. However, the legislation is now before us.

The language in the Bill, the Minister of State's speech and the general language used when debating EU legislation and directives are very much a jungle of jargon as far as most citizens are concerned. It is important that we ensure we use user-friendly language when debating and implementing EU decisions and directives. The benefits of European Union membership for Ireland are significant. The Minister of State referred to the fact that our economic revival stemmed very much from the Single Market introduced in the late 1980s. Our economic survival as a country and society stemmed from our earlier decision to enter the European Economic Community in 1973.

We all acknowledge the benefits of what has been achieved here from our membership of the European Union and the benefits of the Acts, directives and decisions which have come through that. Sometimes, however, citizens of the broader European Union feel removed from the bureaucracy and decision making that takes place in Brussels. It is important therefore that when we present such Bills and proposals in the Oireachtas we try to be as clear as possible on their meaning and expected impact.

Fine Gael supports fully the transposition of EU directives into national law. This is not simply a matter of good legislative housekeeping. It is through EU directives that European legislation is enacted in the member states, including Ireland. In view of the significant and positive impact of EU legislation on our citizens, we must support this Bill. Directives on the environment, working conditions, equality and many other areas have brought significant benefits to everybody living and working in the European Union. When their implementation is delayed or any doubt is cast on implementation, the benefits to citizens are delayed. It is important therefore to progress the directives as quickly as possible.

I have been advised that currently, some 128 EU directives await transposition into Irish law. Also, at 31 October 2006, five weeks ago, some 22 directives were overdue for transposition. Will the Minister of State indicate what progress can be made in resolving these legislative blockages? Currently, eight directives, three of which are overdue, await transposition into Irish law in the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. One of those overdue relates to the energy efficiency of buildings. When we use normal EU language to talk about this type of directive, the issue can seem remote. However, when we explain that directives relate to matters such as the energy efficiency of buildings, we make them more aware of the importance of progressing the directives.

In April of this year the European Commission announced it would instigate legal proceedings against Ireland for failing to transpose EU directives into Irish law with regard to the opening of electricity and gas markets to competition. This is a substantive issue from the point of view of competition, price and choice. Notwithstanding the modest good news we had recently on fuel prices, the overall trend in fuel prices over the past two years demonstrates the need for competition. We have a directive awaiting action, but no action has been taken to date on it. The Minister of State and the Department must do the required work in that regard.

I have been advised of a report in a document of which I had not heard previously, the Internal Market Scoreboard. This document rates the speed at which EU members implement Internal Market directives. Ireland lies in 19th place out of 25 on that scoreboard. If there was a relegation prospect in that league, we would be in the danger zone. In the debate on European issues here politicians and the Government are often criticised because it is felt that Ireland is often first to the fray with regard to introducing EU directives and regulations. We hear from our constituents that we over regulate and hear stories that the French, Italians and others are far more relaxed about the implementation of EU decisions. It is felt that we are somehow overbearing in this regard.