Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We will respond specifically to the idea of the formal scrutiny reserve mechanism to deal with the issue of secondary legislation and whether we agree with the establishment of an EU panel for the Seanad. The political parties, independent of the committee's work, have put forward other ideas that have to be taken on board and considered and we are committed to doing that.

Should we re-establish the committee? I will be in discussions with my opposite numbers, Deputy Costello in the Labour Party and others, to see if that is a mechanism for facilitating the final stages of this debate and engagement. Deputy Timmins is smiling; I do not know why. Or do we need more formal, direct engagement with the political parties through our spokespersons and the meetings we have already had?

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