McDowell to address Oireachtas sub-Committee

Former Justice Minister Michael McDowell will speak at a hearing today on how the government can best use new powers granted under the Lisbon Treaty.

Mr McDowell will be the first witness at a new Oireachtas sub-Committee dealing with the impact of the treaty on the Dáil and the Seanad.

Lisbon has given member states a range of new entitlements, including a greater role in deciding EU legislation.

Other speakers over the coming weeks will include former Taoiseach John Bruton and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin.