Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

There is an obvious role for this House to scrutinise EU legislation. I have always advocated this and I will speak with the Leader and the Whip to ensure this happens. It is important the potential of the Seanad, as well as the whole of Parliament, is fully realised. I am more than happy to take up this cause.

There is only one case of the Oireachtas issuing a yellow card against an EU proposal under the Lisbon treaty terms. Other EU member state parliaments have had multiple instances of this. There is an onus on Members to utilise the mechanisms given to them by the Lisbon treaty. It is not just about red-carding legislation but actively involving with the Commission. Members, who are always welcome in the corridors of the European Commission and European Parliament, should meet with Commissioners and their officials to see how best our legislative and policy agendas can be synchronised. Ministers, likewise, need to be more engaged with the Commission in this regard. We can agree with that. That probably answers Senator Mooney's first question as well.