Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

It is not. Such is the importance of the three funds incorporated in these propositions that it merits full scrutiny and debate in the House. It is not appropriate, given the importance of what is at stake, that we go ahead on a nod without debate. Particular attention must be paid to the European returns fund for which there must be real concern. I note from the circulated report from committee, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell stated:

All actions under the three specific objectives are to take account of the specific situation of vulnerable people such as . . . people who have been subject to torture or other serious forms of psychological, physical or sexual abuse.

I contend that these are reasons for not returning people. If those are the facts in any case, not only this fund but no fund should be employed for a person's return.

This as an example of the importance of the House addressing the detail entailed in the propositions. I appeal that these measures, particularly No. 20, do not proceed without debate. With respect, it is an abuse of the committee system that we kick to touch in committee and then it is returned to the Dáil. There is insufficient address of these measures by Members and there is little if any public scrutiny of what is entailed. I am concerned this is the Government's approach. There would be great public concern and alarm at some of the detail involved in these propositions if they were properly highlighted in the public arena. The House must not proceed without debate but take the opportunity to ensure they are fully debated.

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