Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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If no other members have questions, I thank the Minister and his officials. There is some time between now and the scheduled Dáil session. I would urge a rethink. We have very important opt-ins. I heard what the Minister said in respect of the importance he attaches to having a common EU position on migration matters. I would argue it is important that we have a migration policy that suits Ireland and recognises the distinction of Ireland as an island nation where our nearest neighbour, with which we unfortunately share a land border, is outside the framework of the EU and yet we share a common travel area with it. I would have a fear for what I consider to be just the instinctive position now of the Irish Government to sign up to proposals at a European Union level as the first port of call. I ask the Minister to reflect on the Government proposal for a one-hour debate on this matter in the Dáil. Members who want to contribute to this debate should be entitled to do so but I have a sense that many will not be able to do so with the current proposed schedule.

I again thank the Minister and his officials for taking the time to be here.