Oireachtas Reform (upcoming Liberal Society Debate)

Denerick wrote: »

There is no reason to do this. Personally I would like to see a non partisan upper house with greater powers of oversight, to act as a check on the lower house. I don't think unicameral parliaments are good ideas.

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President of the Liberal Society Niall Neligan called for an overhaul of the separation of powers doctrine under the Constitution, the abolition of the Seanad and the extension of the electoral franchise to EU citizens resident and working in Ireland so that they could vote in general elections.

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The_Minister wrote: »

^^^^^
Also in the Independant.



The videos will take a few days - we had several cameras so we will be editing the footage to the best effect (nothing will be censored though)

expectationlost wrote: »

well i have to agree with him on that the more eyes on legislation the better

The Lisbon Treaty has wide-ranging effects on the relationship between institutions of the European Union and the national institutions of individual member states. This Sub-Committee was entrusted with the task of examining the crucially important relationship between the Houses of the Oireachtas and the European institutions.

The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty provided the impetus for change, but this review goes further than merely recommending those changes mandated by the Treaty. The terms of reference of the Sub-Committee recognised that the task of re-balancing of the role of the Oireachtas presented an opportunity, as well as presenting a challenge for the Houses of the Oireachtas. This opportunity was to re-evaluate how European issues are examined by the National Parliament, and how the Parliament works with the Executive to maximise democratic accountability at both national and European levels. Neither the internal workings of the Houses of the Oireachtas nor their relationship with the institutions of the European Union get much media attention. They are not the stuff of heated popular debate. Yet the low profile of the institutional issues belies their enormous importance for democracy at both national and European level.

The Oireachtas can lead the way in bridging a disconnect that has often been felt between the people and the European Union. An enhanced role for the Oireachtas in European Affairs can only enhance democratic participation and democratic accountability. Measures and policies shaped in Brussels play an increasing role in our daily affairs, and for that reason this Report recommends that the Houses of the Oireachtas play an increased role in shaping, scrutinising, overseeing and implementing those measures. Should the committee’s recommendations be substantially implemented, I am confident that a more engaged and transparent relationship between the Oireachtas and the EU will inevitably follow.

1. current interim arrangements to be made permanent with annual review
2. weekly report on EU documents to be published
3. documents to be laid electronically
4. division of legislative proposals to be scrutinised into minor and major impact for Ireland
5. six-monthly report by each Dept on EU developments, measures proposed and progressed
6. Commission Annual Policy Strategy to be debated in JCEA and both Houses
7. Commission Annual Legislative Work Programme to be debated in JCES and report laid before the Houses
8. Ministers should be obliged to attend relevant sectoral Committee in advance of Council meetings
9. that statements and Q&A take place in the Dáil prior to Council meetings
10. that the Government should, as a matter of urgency, bring forward proposals on how EU budget scrutiny will happen
11. a scrutiny reserve is recommended - that a Minister not agree to EU legislation before the Committee has finished its scrutiny. Allowance is made for an 'urgency clause' allowing a Minister to over-ride the reserve if required, but to have to justify doing so
12. that a Memorandum of Understanding be agreed between the Oireachtas and the Government on the operation of such a system
13. JCEA and JCES to be amalgamated
14. that the Houses of the Oireachtas should host an interparliamentary meeting on an annual or bi-annual basis to discuss a topical EU policy area or legislative proposal
15. that the JCEA and JCES have regular meetings with the Irish MEPs to discuss issues of mutual concern on the EU’s agenda
16. that the JCEA and JCES, as well as appropriate sectoral committees, consider holding consultations with the Rapporteur of the European Parliament Committee dealing with the policy or legislative proposal under scrutiny
17. that the powers of referral of EU documents by the JCEA and JCES and the powers of consideration by the sectoral committees are rationalised and strengthened
18. that a Rapporteur system be introduced for the consideration of important EU policy and legislative proposals
19. that reports of the JCEA and JCES which are recommended for debate are taken for debate within a certain period of time
20. that selected sectoral committees would be obliged to report to the Seanad periodically in respect of its EU related work
21. that the week of 9 May, Europe Day, each year should be set aside by the Dáil as a week for debates and events on EU related topics
22. that Regulatory Impact Assessments prepared by Depts for Directives should be giev to the JCEA and JCES
23. that all SIs should be circulated to all Oireachtas members six weeks before they are signed by the relevant Minister
24. that the Seanad play an important role in the area of monitoring the transposition of EU Directives
25. that the JCEA should be briefed on infringement actions taken or pending against Ireland for the non-transposition or improper transposition of EU Directives
26. that the JCEA should undertake a study of selected EU Directives transposed in Ireland which have caused the greatest concern in terms of regulation
27. that an EU information kiosk is established in the lobby entrance of the visitors’ gallery of Leinster House
28. that the Oireachtas should form a more formal link with the Representatives Offices of the Commission and the European Parliament in Ireland in order to maximise their joint remit to communicate Europe