Dail ready to use 'yellow card' in EU watchdog role
Saturday May 24 2008
THE Lisbon Treaty will ensure MEPs, TDs and senators can act as a watchdog over European proposals, according to a new report.
The Oireachtas committee on European Scrutiny yesterday argued that the Dail and Seanad should now be obliged to allocate a specific day every month to consider EU business.
In its report on the Lisbon Treaty, the committee concluded that, for the first time, national parliaments would be given a defined role in EU matters separate to that of their national governments.
Hundreds of EU proposals will now be debated by the Dail and Seanad, if the Lisbon Treaty is approved on June 12.
Under the new system, the Dail will be able to use a new early-warning mechanism known as the "yellow and orange cards", ensuring greater power and authority, committee chairman John Perry said.
The system will enable TDs and Senators to send to all EU institutions a "reasoned opinion" about draft legislation within eight weeks. If, at least one third of the national parliaments vote against a proposal, it must then be reviewed.
Proposals can also be struck down by the European Parliament if there is a majority of 55pc.
- ine Kerr Political Correspondent
