The role of the European Union on military, social and taxation issues should be clarified, according to the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr David Byrne.
In the first address to the Seanad by an Irish Commissioner, he said: "On abortion, for example, there is no reason whatever why there should be any EU initiative, despite what some people claim."
The EU had the flexibility to design common policies while accommodating real concerns of member states.
"While member states may clearly wish to retain competence in certain fields that are closely linked to sovereignty we need to clarify to what extent the EU should be involved in, for example, military, social or taxation issues," he said.
The role of the EU in other spheres might also be difficult to define: "For example, the field of justice and home affairs is closely linked to national sovereignty. However, the fight against cross-Border crime or an efficient immigration policy necessarily require co-ordinated actions at EU level."
The result of the Nice Treaty referendum came as a "great disappointment" but he would not accept that it meant Ireland was saying no to the EU or to enlargement.
"My belief was confirmed by the results of the recent opinion survey undertaken on behalf of the Commission. Nevertheless, this same survey points to an information deficit about the Nice Treaty, in particular, and the European project generally, as being the biggest factor on people's minds."
The National Forum on Europe provided an excellent platform for debate and information. It was also proposed to establish a convention, made up of representatives from national parliaments and governments, the European Parliament and the Commission.
"I personally consider that an important function of the convention should be to establish clear, simple and permanent tools for the treaties to adapt in the future according to needs as they arise."