Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

No, it is not agreed. On behalf of the Sinn Féin Deputies, I object to the adoption of this motion without debate. Ireland is already a member of the Hague Conference and, as such, has one autonomous vote in the course of all the conference's proceedings. My colleagues and I are concerned that under this motion, the European Community may usurp this independence on the part of all member states and seek to apply a single European Community vote, thereby undermining the autonomy of the member states of the European Parliament.

My colleague, Deputy Ó Snodaigh, expressed concerns about this proposal when it was considered by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights. He asked a number of pertinent questions about it, none of which was answered by the Minister. As a result of this, there are key questions which have yet to be addressed but which must be teased out. This can only happen in this House, where the questions will receive full and appropriate scrutiny.

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