FF Senator calls for greater scrutiny of EU directives and regulations

Marc MacSharry (FF) called for greater scrutiny of EU directives and regulations.

He said that last year there were 53 Acts of the Oireachtas and 590 statutory instruments, as well as 52 EU directives and 1,270 regulations proposed. "In reality, we only debated the 53 Acts of the Oireachtas."

Introducing a Fianna Fáil Private Member's Bill, the EU Scrutiny and Transparency in Government Bill 2013, Mr MacSharry said the democratic deficit, often suggested in respect of Europe, was a reality. He added that party colleague Mark Daly was the Bill's author.

Mr MacSharry said it aimed at providing a scenario where the Seanad could formally review all items of legislation, statutory instruments and regulations.

“It would do a great service in increasing the usefulness of the Oireachtas and would help to connect people with Europe, which we have never achieved.”

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said there was little point in lengthy debate about the substance of EU legislative measures at the time of their being transposed into Irish law, often by statutory instrument.

He said at that stage, the policy issues were settled and Ireland’s obligation was to apply the law agreed at EU level.