Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

I agree with my colleagues on the visit yesterday by the President of the European Parliament. It was interesting. My colleague raised the issue of reform. The President referred to the number of submissions received on draft legislation being passed at European level. I understand that 337 submissions were made by different states, none of which were made by either House in this jurisdiction. It emphasises the need for reform and how we can play an active role in drafting European legislation.

We have an eight week gap from the time issues are proposed to when we have the right to make a submission. I agree with my colleague about the need for reform. It is important that we put in place a process to deal with that issue. Europe now has a large influence on what is happening in this country, and has had for some time. My understanding is that we have over 29 European Commissioners, so even if one of them attended this House every fortnight we would still not have heard from them all by the end of the year. Issues that will be relevant in the next two to three years include the Common Agricultural Policy, which is to be reviewed. Consequently, it would be appropriate to invite the EU Agriculture Commissioner to attend the House to give a broad outline of what is coming down the line with regard to the CAP. Those are some of the issues that we should deal with proactively, rather than waiting for them to happen. We should be proactive in issuing these invitations to ensure that we have a clear annual programme of involving such people in the Seanad. We should invite people representing various interest groups in this jurisdiction, as well as those in Europe. I think those points should be taken on board.

I congratulate the Leader and other party and group leaders on their contributions yesterday. It was well managed.