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Forum Member
 
Group: Administrators
Last Login: 01/06/2010 11:16:22
Posts: 37,
Visits: 98
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Question : Hi, Can I ask what is Irelands place in the EU politically?
Politically, Ireland remains at the centre of Europe and it shares the EU's decision making power along with the 26 other member states.
Ireland plays, along with all member states, a key role in shaping policy and the work of the EU. Also, the laws that come from the EU are the result of member states agreeing to pass them.
In the Council of the European Union, our Taoiseach and government ministers represent the view of Ireland and vote to pass or not to pass various legislation with best interest of Irish citizens at hand.
Similarly, we are politically represented in the European Parliament by our directly elected members of the European Parliament who act in the interest of EU citizens at local level. They share decision making power with the Council of the European Union in most areas.
Also, one of the reforms introduced by the Lisbon Treaty now allows national parliaments time and a mechanism to examine proposed EU legislation in order to raise any issues at national level. This will mean Irish TDs will become part of the decision making process and give a local dimension to Ireland's role in the decision making process.
On major issues such as taxation and foreign policy for example, Ireland, and all EU member states maintain a veto whereby if they disagree with a piece of legislation at EU level, the piece of legislation cannot be passed. So, in these areas of important national interest Ireland's place politically is as powerful and pivotal as any other member state.
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