Thomas Pringle TD has welcomed the Court of Justice of the EU’s (CJEU) announcement of October 23rd as the date for an oral hearing regarding the questions referred to it from his recent case in the Supreme Court.
Speaking on the matter today, the Independent TD for Donegal South West stated: “I welcome the decision of the CJEU to use the accelerated procedure available to it to allow for an oral hearing in October. This shows that the Court recognises the urgency of this matter and its upmost importance to all EU states involved, including Ireland.”
In his action Mr Pringle has questioned the compatibility of the ESM Treaty with existing EU Treaty provisions. He has also questioned the lawfulness of a related amendment to the EU Treaties. The Supreme Court, having heard Mr Pringle’s case in July, referred the following questions to the CJEU: 1. Is the ESM Treaty compatible with the EU Treaties? 2. Is the related decision by heads of government to amend the EU Treaties legally valid? 3. Can the ESM come into operation before the EU Treaty amendment comes into force (1st January 2013 at earliest)?
“The questions that have been referred to the CJEU are key to establishing the legality of the ESM which commits Ireland to potential payments of up to €11 billion to a fund being set up to protect the financial system,” added Pringle.
“We have seen how there is a new legal challenge being taken in Germany on the ESM. This is another example of the continuing and growing scepticism of this fund across Europe and Ireland, and I look forward to the outcome of the oral hearing in Luxembourg.”
“It’s high time that we brought democracy and transparency to Europe – the fight’s not over yet,” stated Pringle.
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