EU uses new powers to tackle Justice, Sport and other issues - Minister Martin

The European Union will in the coming week uses new powers it received under the Lisbon Treaty to outline who is going to tackle a range of issues.

“At the start of the week under the Lisbon commitment to promote sport and fitness across the member states the European Commission will publish a major survey. It will analyse levels of participation across the Union and be used to draw up a new policy. As a nation that is passionate about sport Ireland will be a major participant in drawing up the new policies.”

“Protecting EU citizens from crime, in particular that of a cross border nature, was a key part of the Treaty. The week ahead will see the EU publish its plans to tackle human trafficking and child pornography. By working together we will ensure that criminals do not evade justice by crossing Europe’s borders.”

“On Wednesday proposals will be published to bring Europe closer and more relevant to its people. The Citizen’s Initiative will allow one million people from member states to lay out their demands to the EU and say what issues are important in their lives.”

“For too long the EU has been disconnected from its people and this initiative is an important first step from the Union to cut through the red tape and involve people in forming future policy.”

“I also look forward to Ireland joining other EU countries at the special Haiti donor conference in New York, where the international community will review how it can best help that country recover from the devastating earthquake”, concluded Minister Martin.