The Evolving Role of National Parliaments in the European Union

This book examines the gradually increasing role of national parliaments in the European Union and asks how and why this came about. It takes Ireland as a case study, examining the relationship between Irelands parliament (the Oireachtas) and the European Union. It also focuses sharply on parliaments role in European affairs in Ireland, a jurisdiction of strong comparative interest to the UK . It examines the evolution in national parliaments roles, the reasons for change and the challenges that must be faced in making further progress. The book analyses Irelands slow parliamentary adaptation to European integration, analyses the impact of the Lisbon Treaty and economic crises in accelerating reform, and identifies where improvement is still badly needed. -- .