Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Barrett to the meeting. Dr. Barrett referred to domestic political reasons for the UK exercising the opt-out clause. He also referred to the issue of the eurosceptics. Any of us who have valid concerns and who want to ask questions are often dismissed as eurosceptics. I regard myself as very pro-Europe but I also have concerns and views on issues and I have the democratic right to ask questions about the direction being taken by Europe. However, people like me are often dumped into one corner, as it were, by certain others.

Dr. Barrett spoke about the balance between the rights of victims and issues of human rights. In my view, at a European level, certain victims are not included sufficiently and there is always a political aspect. Dr. Barrett referred to one of the people involved in the London bombings who was extradited from Italy within weeks. However, I would make a counter-argument. An Oireachtas motion looked for co-operation on the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. We asked the British Government for co-operation but we received none. Some victims are more equal than others. It is important to have a balance and that every victim and every citizen of Europe is treated with equality and respect.

I refer to the point about extradition arrangements with Poland. It seems that the reasons for extradition to Poland are very petty. The Polish Government pays for the extradition so there is no cost to the Irish taxpayer. For example, a person wanted for non-payment of a fine in Poland and is living in Ireland is extradited for that offence. I do not agree with the Polish law but that is their right. Many people outside of political circles may not be aware of this Polish law.