Seanad debates

Friday, 19 December 2008

5:00 pm

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Pat Carey, for coming in at this late hour to respond to this motion. It is an odd topic to raise as an adjournment motion because it is a matter of such national importance. I do not want to sound a discordant note at the end of festive words, but we have not been able to discuss where we stand post the European Council meeting.

I and many of my Seanad colleagues put a significant amount of work into a sub-committee which tried to play a role in helping the country move forward on an important topic. I am very disappointed we did not get an opportunity to discuss where things stand for our country in light of the European Council meeting in Brussels. I had to resort to putting down an adjournment motion to deal with what I believe, with the economy, is the most important issue facing our country.

The main thrust of the report I put together, with my colleagues, was that we need to make the Oireachtas more relevant to European affairs. I cannot think of a greater example of how we failed to do that than an important issue for our country is not discussed in the House, particularly given that the Seanad and chambers like it all over the world and western Europe play a strong role in contributing to European matters.

We tend to have the time and capacity to discuss these matters in a more detailed manner than is sometimes available elsewhere. I will not speak on the motion itself as it is self-evident, but I want the Government to outline its plan because the opportunity was not given in the House for this side to hear its thinking. We all want to contribute and help, and I regret that opportunity was not taken. I look forward to what the Minister of State has to say on such a vital topic.

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