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Lisbon

  • 26-07-2010 12:56AM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 164 ✭✭


    okay it's been a while since the vote and all, but to be quite honest the whole thing was a little confusing so... what has Ireland ACTUALLY gained from it?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 164 ✭✭Blue Badger


    glad to see that Ireland's gained so much...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,870 ✭✭✭Corsendonk


    I think maybe in 10 years you can review that question. The treaty was more to correct the complicated workings of the EU so time will tell if that has worked. Seems do the EU parliament is taking more of an active role in the last year. Anything has to be better than those jokers in the Dail who half owe there seats to what there grandfather did in the War of Independence.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 72 ✭✭TalkToEU: John


    Hi Blue Badger,

    Thanks for your question.

    In terms of gains, it's difficult to quantify anything immediate that you can notice or that affects your day to day life. Most of the changes introduced deal with how the EU functions, how it's role is evolving due to increased membership and the realities of the 21st century, and how it reaches decisions and acts in an international context.

    Also, as alluded to by Corsendonk, the real effectiveness of the treaty will take time to be implemented and judged.

    Some of the more immediate gains that will benefit Irish citizens can be summed upon below.

    A lot of the changes deal with accountability, transparency and democracy, which as a small country, is important to Ireland.
    Irish citizens gain a greater voice through new powers granted under the treaty to their elected representatives through some new changes.

    Elected MEPs in the European Parliament have been granted further co-decision powers, which means that Irish MEPs will have greater say in what legislation is adopted by the European Union.

    National parliaments (the Dáil and Seanad) will have a greater say on whether new laws are necessary at EU level. This will help anchor EU issues in the debates of the Dáil and Seanad.
    By contacting your local TD you can raise issues of interest to you and lobby your TD to have your concerns voiced and debated in the Dáil.

    If a set number of national parliaments disagree with a proposed piece of legislation, they can initiate a process where by it can be frozen and re-examined by the EU Commission.

    With these powers granted to national parliaments and MEPs, Irish citizens can hold their elected representatives more accountable for the decisions made at EU level.

    Another gain in terms of democracy and transparency is a stronger voice for citizens thanks to the Citizens' Initiative whereby one million citizens from a number of Member States will have the possibility to call on the Commission to suggest new laws.

    In the decision making process, Irelands key interests in maintaining its veto in terms of taxation, neutrality and various social issues, are re-stated and reinforced. Changes to the voting the system also aim to make the decision process fairer to smaller states like Ireland. Under the new system, which won't be implemented until 2014, calculating a majority when voting will be based on a double majority; a majority of countries (55% or 15 out of 27 countries) representing a majority of the Union's population (65% or 321.75 million people).

    On a grander scale, changes to how the EU functions and how the EU acts on a global level aims to make the EU stronger and increase it political, social and economical effectiveness . From Ireland's point of view as a small country it enables us have our voice heard on issues and that affect the us and to be part of a more efficient union that aims to improve living and economic standards while tackling global problems like crime the environment.


    You can read more about the above here : http://ec.europa.eu/ireland/lisbon_treaty/index_en.htm


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 164 ✭✭Blue Badger


    but are we still guaranteed referenda like before?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 72 ✭✭TalkToEU: John


    but are we still guaranteed referenda like before?

    Hi Blue Badger,

    The Lisbon Treaty does not change the current process of referenda in Ireland.
    The EU has absolutely no power to change how and when Ireland chooses to hold referenda.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 164 ✭✭Blue Badger


    Thats not exactly what I mean. I was told that the people were guaranteed a referendum by the government every time the constitution changed or whatever. Which is the only reason we got a vote on lisbon. But what I want to know is are we still entitled to this or is it gone?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,208 ✭✭✭✭aidan_walsh


    The constitution still mandates a referendum any time there is to be a change to the constitution (Article 46), so yes.


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