Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 10 May 2017

Select Committee on Justice and Equality

Business of Committee

9:00 am

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I ask Deputy Chambers to allow the Chair to finish. My view is that we can have the same impact by referring to the strength of opinion expressed this morning and balancing it with the steps I have outlined, which I think we should pursue as far as possible. One is complementary to the other and it would show that we are taking every other course while demonstrating that there is a view which is very strongly held among members this morning. As a Chairman - and Deputy Chambers will be in this position some day - it is critically important to maintain the cohesion, effectiveness and co-operation of this committee. That formula allows us to do that today. I would like the opportunity to exhaust all the other avenues and they will add punch to our message that we are not seen in isolation but are part of the greater entity, across all committee positions. I undertake to personally communicate the strength of views of members this morning and to provide a proper reflection of them directly to the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality. I know that she will be open to the opportunity of engagement and I will hold nothing back.