15:10 p.m. 

I apologise for my late arrival.  I wish to raise a couple of points regarding some of the issues to which the Minister referred. 

I welcome the publication of the Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill.  I am sure there will be lively debates in both Houses of the Oireachtas on the issue of the Lisbon treaty.  Some people have commented on the lack of an easily accessible version of the treaty.  The point has been made that the Treaty of Lisbon is a series of amendments to previous treaties.  However, a consolidated and annotated text should be readily available for those interested in this matter.  I am not suggesting that the members of every household in the country would be interested in giving careful consideration to a dense legal text.  However, for those who would be, a consolidated, if not an annotated, version of the treaty would be extremely welcome.  The Institute of European Affairs has produced such a version but I am concerned with regard to its ready availability.  What role should the referendum commission take in the context of making information on the treaty available to members of the public? 

The General Affairs and External Relations Council is to discuss climate change and energy.  Media reports this morning indicate a possible threat to EU gas supplies as a result of the dispute between Ukraine and Russia over alleged debts.  This highlights the fact that, in view of its dependence on the gas pipeline from Russia, the EU is extremely vulnerable in the context of energy security and future energy supplies.  The energy provisions in the Lisbon treaty should be emphasised as much as possible.  Under the treaty, energy will for the first time become a shared competence.  The treaty contains specific references to the interconnection of energy networks, energy solidarity among member states, the promotion of renewable energy, etc.  This will all serve to secure the EU’s energy security into the future. 

I accept that Kosovo is a controversial issue and that member states are divided in respect of it.  In the context of reassuring those countries which may have concerns about secessionist movements within their own jurisdictions, perhaps clear criteria could be agreed among member states regarding the future recognition of states such as Kosovo.  I accept that the situation in Kosovo is quite unique.  However, certain areas or provinces in particular countries may claim independence in the future and may seek recognition from the European Union.  Is the Minister of the view that the Union might draw up clear and transparent criteria which will provide reassurance that it will not take an arbitrary approach to recognising the independence of certain states and not others?

16:00 p.m.

Have speakers been agreed for the public meetings the joint committee will hold?  I understand the format will be to invite speakers for and against the treaty, after which members and others will join the debate.  At our press conference, we were asked whether the joint committee would invite people who have adopted a position of opposing the Lisbon treaty in order that they can address their issues of concern with committee members.  It would be of benefit to do this before members go out on the road as it would allow us to hear and prepare for the arguments. 

Chairman
The Senator is correct that it would be beneficial to have a discussion among committee members to address the reservations opponents hold.  We should arrange the meeting for next week, possibly on Tuesday.  The secretariat will contact members. 

Deputy Noel Treacy
I propose holding the meeting on Wednesday or Thursday of next week. 

Chairman
We have not finalised a list of nominated speakers, although I have a list of people who are willing to speak.  They will answer questions and three or four speakers who have been nominated have indicated they will be available.  We will have to finalise the list quickly because the first meeting will be in three weeks. 

Senator Déirdre de Búrca
Will committee members be consulted? 

Chairman
Yes. 

Filed under:
Joint Committee on European Affairs by Deirdre