Nothing to fear from supremacy of EU law

I AM surprised that Dana Scallon (Irish Examiner, February 18), an MEP of over four years' experience, appears to be confused about the mention of the supremacy of European law in the proposed European constitution.

The supremacy of European law, as specified in article I-10 of the proposed constitution, is not something new.

According to judgments by the European Court of Justice going back to 1962, the law of the European Community, and subsequently the EU, prevails over the law of the member states and their constitutions.

Also, article 29, section 4, sub-section 10 of the Irish Constitution states that laws enacted by the EU and communities override conflicting provisions of the Irish Constitution. This has been part of the Irish Constitution since 1992 when the Irish ratified the 11th Amendment to the Constitution, which also ratified the Maastricht Treaty.

I hope my correction will ensure Ms Scallon will be able to reassure the Irish electorate that there is nothing to fear from the supremacy of European law, as it is something we have lived quite comfortably with for over 30 years.

Jason FitzHarris

Rivervalley

Swords

Co Dublin