Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals he has for reducing the democratic deficit in relation to common, foreign and security policy at national, Parliamentary and European Union level. [3674/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The European Union (Scrutiny) Act in 2002 improved the arrangements for scrutiny of EU business by the Dáil and the Seanad. Thanks to the work of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny, parliamentary oversight of proposed EU measures has been greatly enhanced. Under the Scrutiny Act, the following measures are subject to scrutiny: regulations or directives; joint actions and common positions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP); and a range of measures in the Justice and Home Affairs area.

As the House will be aware, a Joint Committee for European Scrutiny was established last year. Discussions are underway between the Department of Foreign Affairs and other Government Departments and the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to the preparation of new Guidelines for Departments on Oireachtas Scrutiny of EU Business.

In relation to CFSP/ESDP measures, my Department informs the Oireachtas as to the content, purpose and the national implications of such proposals.

I also arrange to brief the Joint Committee on European Affairs, in advance of each meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, on items to be discussed, the majority of which usually relate to CFSP/ESDP issues.

At the level of the European Union, Ireland has consistently supported the inter-governmental character of the CFSP, which serves to safeguard our interests. At the same time, the European Reform Treaty, following ratification by all Member States, will introduce some measures that will strengthen democratic debate in this area. A new post of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy will be established. The High Representative (whose role will combine the responsibilities of the current High Representative for Common and Foreign Security Policy as well as the current Commissioner for External Relations) will consult and inform the European Parliament in relation to the CFSP and will ensure that the views of the European Parliament are duly taken into consideration. There is also provision for those Special Representatives appointed to deal with external issues to brief the European Parliament on their areas of responsibility.

Also, the National Forum on Europe plays an important role in promoting balanced and informed public debate on EU issues, including those in the CFSP area.