The Labour Party has accused the Government of behaving like "a spectator" as the European Union considers decisions that will fundamentally change Ireland's relationship with Brussels.
The party leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, yesterday called for the appointment of a Minister of State with complete responsibility for European affairs and closer ties with new member-states.
Speaking at a party seminar in Dublin to mark Europe Day, Mr Quinn said proposals that would impact on Ireland were under consideration at the latest EU Inter-Governmental Conference.
"On the table for discussion from the Commission are proposals that would reduce the number of MEPs elected from Ireland, proposals to reduce the areas in which Ireland could veto progress on issues it deems contrary to the national interest and, perhaps most importantly, proposals that would eliminate our automatic right to a Commissioner," he said.
The proposals were under discussion because of the enlargement of the EU and the need to streamline institutional arrangements. In addition, Irish people had not been made aware of decisions which would lead to far greater co-operation with NATO, he said. The failure to appoint a Minister for European Affairs, at a time when the Minister for Foreign Affairs was so involved in Northern Ireland, "has had damning consequences", he added. "At a time when we should be making our voice and our values heard in Europe, we are at our most silent."
