PARLIAMENTARY DIMENSION
The Irish EU Presidency
Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from January to June 2013. Each presiding Member State is tasked with advancing the Union’s ongoing work agenda, and has an opportunity to shape and influence EU policy and legislation. View main EU2013.ie website.
The parliamentary dimension
Ireland joined the European Union 40 years ago and the parliamentary element of each EU Presidency term has been considerably strengthened since then, most significantly since the introduction of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. During the Presidency, the Houses of the Oireachtas will host eight major events, which focus on addressing the greatest challenges facing the European Union.
Oireachtas Committees and EU Affairs
What happens at European level is an integral part of our political and administrative systems, having direct consequences nationally. The role of the Oireachtas in European Union Affairs has steadily developed since Ireland’s accession to the EU in 1973. Likewise, the influence of the EU in our national affairs has grown and much of the legislation passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas originates in a Directive or Regulation coming from the EU.
National Parliaments also have a role in connecting Europe with citizens, encouraging and facilitating national public debate on EU issues, and, by doing so, contributing to making European politics more democratic. Access this factsheet to find out more about role of Oireachtas Committees in EU Affairs.
