Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

It is not agreed. I wish to speak to the motion on referral to the joint committee of the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Council framework decision on simplifying the exchange of information and intelligence between law enforcement authorities of the members states of the European Union. I object to this matter being taken without debate. I acknowledge that it has been the practice heretofore to refer matters to committee without debate. What is involved is a further working out of the Hague programme that has been in place since 2004 but has yet to be addressed in this House.

We have had no substantive debate on the Hague programme in any shape or form in this Chamber. That is a serious omission on the part of the House. Irrespective of where people may stand with regard to the specific proposition here, and that can only present itself in full debate, there is the principle of the import of this House properly addressing the Hague programme.

With respect to the circularisation of the detail, it came with no COM reference number. Taken with all the other material circularised it creates confusion and makes it very difficult for people to properly prepare either for committee or for an opportunity to speak in the House. That is a technical deficiency.

The bigger issue and the principle is that we have yet to have a full and proper debate here on the Hague programme. That must take precedence before any further referrals of motions arising therefrom. I object to this motion being taken in the way suggested by the Tánaiste, and I urge her and the Chief Whip to properly note the need for that debate in this House as a matter of urgency.

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