James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 7, line 15, to delete “European Union, and” and substitute “European Union,”.

I thank the Cathaoirleach. Amendments Nos. 1, 2 and 4 are to be taken together and allow for non-European Union states operating to a framework decision. This is particularly relevant for Schengen-associated states, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, which are not EU member states. The new section would allow states to be designated based on an agreement between those state and the EU. There are ongoing discussions with the EU Commission on the appropriate scope here and it is likely that we will make a further amendment on Report Stage based on those discussions. At the moment the Schengen-associated states are currently listed in the text of the Act and we expect these to be removed on Report Stage and to rely solely on the designation power. That covers all of these various amendments.