Republican News · Thursday 17 October 2002

Taoiseach challenged on Enlargement (main)

Formation of Technical Group boosts SF role in Dáil (strap)

Sinn Féin's five TDs joined those from the Green Party and 11 Independents to form a 'Technical Group' in the Dáil last week. This significant development has boosted Sinn Féin's role in the Dáil after the government steadfastly refused to recognise each party in its own right. The Technical Group's size means that it leapfrogs Labour in terms of speaking order in the chamber.

For the first time this Tuesday, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, the Sinn Féin Dáil leader, was able to ask the Taoiseach 'Leaders' Questions' on the Order of Business and to directly question the Minister for Health in prime Dáil question time.

The Taoiseach was challenged by Ó Caoláin as to why he did not support a Dáil motion welcoming the forthcoming enlargement of the EU. He said they were seeking the support of all parties and Independents for the motion which, he said, should be passed before the referendum on the Treaty of Nice. Ó Caoláin said:

"The Dáil should reflect the view of all parties and the vast majority of citizens that EU enlargement is positive. Both sides in the Nice Treaty referendum debate favour enlargement. We welcome new member states to the EU if their people vote for membership. They must, of course, also meet the democratic and human rights standards stipulated in the Copenhagen Criteria.

"When the idea of a Dáil declaration of support for enlargement was raised by EU Commission officials last week, the Tánaiste Mary Harney rejected it and said that such a declaration after the referendum would flout the will of the people. This is rich coming from a member of the government which deliberately defied our referendum decision last year. But it also raises the question: 'Why not make the declaration before the referendum?'

"This Dáil declaration of support for enlargement would make it crystal clear to all EU member states and applicants that the Irish people support enlargement and that if the Treaty is rejected by referendum a second time, it will not be on the basis of opposition to enlargement."

Neither the government, Fine Gael nor Labour supported the motion.

Ó Caoláin also challenged the Minister for Health on the continuing crisis in Monaghan General Hospital. He said both he and the Taoiseach had failed to intervene to aver the continued downgrading of the Hospital.

* Meanwhile the protest fast and vigil in support of Monaghan General Hospital continues at the gates of Government Buildings, Merrion Street, Dublin. People are encouraged to attend and support the vigil which is round-the-clock and continues until 28 October.