Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

It is not agreed. Sinn Féin is opposed to No. 14a being taken without debate, and being referred to committee without debate. We are in the first week of a new term and this is one of a series of motions relating to justice and home affairs that have been referred to committee without debate throughout all of the preceding terms.

I understand the import of these issues is not properly realised by many people and it is important that we have a full debate on all matters that refer to civil justice issues. They are part of a wider programme of fundamental rights and justice. The objective is to create a European area of justice in civil and commercial matters. All of this is occurring in the absence of harmonisation of fundamental rights. We believe it is essential to have a full participatory debate with all of the information on the floor of the House, not only on this matter but on all related issues because they affect every citizen.

Question, "That the proposal for dealing with Nos. 14a and 15, motion of referral to joint committee re civil justice programme and motion re membership of committee be agreed," put and declared carried.

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