How will it will undermine Irish sovereignty and weaken Irelands voice in Europe?
A. If passed, the Lisbon Treaty will give the EU increased powers in more than 65 policy areas. The treaty also increases the ‘democratic deficit’ at the heart of the EU. Smaller countries, like Ireland, will suffer the most from changes, which include: • The ending of a ‘national veto’ in at least 30 new areas of law-making • Smaller countries, including Ireland, losing their sole EU commissioner • A dramatic increase in the voting power of the larger countries All of this means that the people of Ireland will have even less control over policy effecting healthcare, education, housing, energy, justice, policing and almost all other important policy areas. Instead the governments of larger EU countries such as Britain, France, Germany and Italy will effectively dictate policy in these areas.
A. The treaty will increase the ‘democratic deficit’ at the heart of the EU by giving larger member states greater voting power at the European Council; increasing Germanys voting power by 100% and that of Britain, France and Italy by roughly 50%. Irelands voting power will be halved. Furthermore, if passed the Lisbon Treaty will give the EU increased powers in over many areas while simultaneously reducing the number of areas member state governments can veto policy proposals. All of this means that the people of Ireland will have even less control over policy effecting healthcare, education, housing, energy, justice, policing and almost all other important policy areas. Instead the governments of larger EU states such as Britain, France, Germany and Italy will effectively dictate policy in these areas. Lisbon also proposes to give the EU a legal personality (Art 46A) giving the EU the authority to operate as a state in its own right. It will have its own President, Foreign Minister an
