Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I object to taking this motion without debate because it should be debated, especially given that on numerous occasions the Minister for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and his officials have acknowledged the need for a review of The Hague programme, particularly in the context of the rejection of the EU constitution by the French and Dutch electorates. A moratorium should be introduced on the passage through this House of all further EU measures arising directly from The Hague programme pending the outcome of a full review and debate in the House. This is the least to which we should agree rather than continuing the practice of referring matters without debate which does not allow for adequate scrutiny on the floor of this House. We must recognise that the human rights agenda is being left far behind the security agenda in this respect and Members have a responsibility to ensure that this is rectified. This can only be addressed in the context of a full debate in this House.

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