Seanad debates

Thursday, 19 June 2008

10:30 am

Photo of Eugene ReganEugene Regan (Fine Gael)

We have had some lively debates on the Lisbon treaty but these have taken place generally on the Order of Business. They have been quite limited, and Senator Norris and others have felt rather frustrated that they did not have time to discuss particular aspects of the treaty. Since we are effectively in renegotiation with our partners in Europe on the Lisbon treaty, all the issues raised in the public debate are still relevant and significant. For this House to remain relevant, it should continue to examine the issues that have arisen. Each week on our agenda we should select one aspect of the debate on the treaty, such as the primacy of EU law, neutrality or taxation, and tease out in a calmer atmosphere the implications of the treaty. It appears we will have to revisit these issues and to do so calmly in this House would be very beneficial. We should not have to do this in a rush at some future date if there is to be a Lisbon 2 referendum. In many ways, we are subcontracting this work to the Forum on Europe, but this House can play a part in continuing the discussions on these issues. In addition, on some occasion the MEPs should be invited to the House for such a debate.

A recent report by the National Consumer Agency found a 30% difference in supermarket prices between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. These do not appear to be justified by overhead costs or other differences between North and South.

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