Row flares at Lisbon Treaty committee meeting
The first meeting of the inaugural Dáil Committee on the Lisbon Treaty today sparked a row between the Yes and No sides.
Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty claimed that the sub-committee on Ireland's Future in Europe was being used to pave the way for a second referendum on the controversial charter.
The all-party body will hear presentations from all sectors of society over the next two months before it produces a report for the Government.
But Mr Doherty said today: "My party will fight tooth and nail should the Government try to cynically manipulate the work of this committee and set aside the democratic wishes of the people."
The Senator accused the Yes side of using the committee as a tool to prepare the groundwork for the launch of another Lisbon Treaty referendum.
He also claimed that the Government was trying to reshape the work of the body away from the Lisbon Treaty and towards Ireland's future in the EU.
"This is a deeply dishonest move," he added.
However sub-committee chairman Senator Paschal Donohoe insisted that the body will be impartial and will do its best to accommodate all views and opinions on the issue.
Independent research carried out on behalf of the Government found that a large majority of Irish people have a positive attitude towards the EU.
The 12-member sub-committee is tasked with analysing the challenges facing Ireland following the Lisbon Treaty referendum result and consider Ireland's future in the EU.
It also aims to contribute to an open, comprehensive and sincere debate on Ireland's future relationship with the EU and its findings will seek to inform Government as it prepares a way forward.
EU reform was plunged into uncertainty when the Lisbon Treaty was rejected by 53% to 47% by the electorate on June 13.
Mr Donohoe said today: "The rejection of the Lisbon treaty has forced us to re-evaluate our relationship with Europe.
"Over the course of the coming weeks, this cross party sub-committee will hear a diverse range of opinions regarding Ireland's role within Europe. These discussions will not only be the basis for our final report but will serve as a robust national debate on Ireland’s future in the EU."
Labour TD Joe Costello said that the all-party body must reflect the views of voters and not get bogged down in sectoral interests.
"We have to look into our own hearts and reflect how we have engaged with the EU in the past," he said.
Fianna Fáil TD Thomas Byrne noted that not all members may agree on the sub-committee but comprehensive discussion of the issues must get priority.
Independent Senator Ronan Mullen, who campaigned for a No vote, urged members to use the sub-committee to test each others' claims and opinions and to bring in experts to seek clarification.
"One of the reasons I voted no was because there are some issues we are better off deciding in Ireland," he noted.
Fine Gael TD Billy Timmins urged members to come to the sub-committee with open minds rather than political agendas.
The terms of reference include an analysis of the implications of the No vote and the challenges facing Ireland’s relationship with the EU.
