How the European Parliament works

The European Parliament is a directly elected parliament comprising 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from all 27 EU Member States. Ireland has 13 MEPs – four elected in Dublin, four elected in Midlands-North West, and give elected in Ireland South.

Under the European Treaties, the European Parliament is a co-legislator. This means that all legislation proposed by the European Council must secure the approval of the European Parliament (as well as that of the European Council representing Member States).

Every MEP joins a number of parliamentary committees to scrutinise legislation by tabling amendments, drafting reports and opinions and debating issues affecting citizens. In addition, MEPs also join delegations related to regions across the globe. At present, Billy serves on the following committees and delegation.

Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (ECON)

This committee scrutinises legislation related to the Euro current, banking, financial services and tax (via the FISC Sub-Committee). As a full member, I work with Renew Europe colleagues to ensure legislation is pro-consumer, and works in the best interests of the fiscal stability of Europe.

A key piece of legislation that I helped to draft is the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which focuses on ensuring that our banking systems and the IT systems they use are safe against cyber threats.

Delegation with the United States (D-US)

Focusing on the European Parliament’s relationship with the United State of America, and in particular with the United States Senate and House of Representatives, this delegation is of crucial importance to Ireland. Billy Kelleher was elected Vice-Chair in 2023. Billy uses the access he has to senior US officials to champion Ireland as a place to invest and create jobs.

Environment, Climate Action and Public Health Committee (ENVI)

One of the European Parliament’s biggest committees, ENVI focuses primarily on the implementation of the Green Deal, and getting the EU to become carbon neutral by 2050. Additionally, it took the lead during the Covid 19 pandemic concerning the development, authorisation and equal dispersal of vaccines across all 27 Member States. Billy has worked on issues ranging from improving Toy Safety to funding the green transition. Most recently, Billy started work on an ENVI Opinion on the Animal Transport Regulation.

Protection of Animals during Transport Committee of Inquiry

This Committee, which met for only 18 months, was focused solely on reviewing the 2005 Animal Transport Regulation and making recommendations. Billy was the lead negotiator for the Renew Europe group, and sought to find a middle ground on the topic. Billy defended the right of Irish exporters to transport animals to mainland Europe but also supported improvements in technology, changes in minimum ages and increased veterinary oversight. In December 2024, the European Commission proposed new legislation which the European Parliament and European Council will now debate and table amendments to.