Press release
Minister Byrne welcomes adoption of procedures for proposed Seanad Select Committee for scrutiny of EU statutory instruments
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The government this week adopted new procedures for government departments in relation to the intended establishment of a new Seanad Éireann Select Committee by the Houses of the Oireachtas, which will have an oversight role in respect of Statutory Instruments to transpose EU Directives.
Commenting on the government decision and the proposed establishment of a new Seanad Éireann Select Committee, the Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, said:
"I welcome the proposed establishment of a new Seanad Éireann Select Committee intended to provide enhanced oversight over Statutory Instruments which transpose EU Directives.
"I particularly welcome the government’s decision on Tuesday to adopt new procedures for government departments to follow in supporting the work of this new Committee.
"As Minister for European Affairs, I look forward to the prospect of appearing before the new Seanad Select Committee to outline the principles of intended EU Statutory Instruments. This process will add greater transparency to the transposition of EU secondary legislation which has the power to benefit areas such as the environment, consumer rights and employee rights.
"I commend the members of Seanad Éireann, led by their Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, for their continued efforts to enhance the Seanad’s engagement with EU matters, which will ultimately benefit our citizens.
"As Ireland celebrates 50 years since its historic decision to join the European Union and 100 years since the establishment of Seanad Éireann, I look forward to greater engagement with Seanad Éireann on EU matters."
It is intended that a new Seanad Select Committee be established by the Houses of the Oireachtas with the power to refer draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to transpose EU Directives to Oireachtas Sectoral Joint Committees. Neither the Seanad Committee nor the Sectoral Joint Committee would have the power to delay or to obstruct the making of secondary legislation. The existing post hoc annulment powers of the Oireachtas would remain unchanged. The oversight function would be limited to Statutory Instruments being made under S3 of the 1972 European Communities Act to transpose EU Directives.