Changes to European election system

Summary

Manning asked whether the European Parliament election system might change and when a decision was expected. Burke said a draft proposal had been referred to a working party, which had only recently begun its work, so he could not give a timetable.

Maurice Manning Mr. Manning Fine Gael

Is it proposed at this stage or is it under consideration that the system of election to the European Parliament may be changed?

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Ray Burke Mr. Raphael Burke Fianna Fáil

That is what I have just said. The European Parliament themselves have adopted this draft proposal which was referred to the Council of Ministers for decision. That has now been sent by the Council of Ministers to a working party. We are represented by an officer from the franchise section of my office and there are possibilities of change.

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Maurice Manning Mr. Manning Fine Gael

I am not clear on the answer to the last question. Have the Government a definite view on this matter as yet, and when can we expect a final report?

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Ray Burke Mr. Raphael Burke Fianna Fáil

It was only on 26 April that the Council of Ministers decided to set up a working party and it was only in the last week or so that they started to operate. I cannot give the Deputy a time. I would be misleading him.

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