Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I understood this matter was debated at length and thoroughly investigated at a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights under the chairmanship of Deputy Ardagh. I wish to correct the impression given by Deputy Ó Caoláin. What I said was that if it was considered, after it had been debated at committee, that there was a further need for a debate in this House on the issue that this was a matter the House could decide at that point. It is my understanding that the Deputy's party did not contribute to the discussion of this issue in committee.

I appreciate that there are multiple commitments for smaller parties. However, we agreed we would send this to a committee for detailed examination. Any Member of either House is entitled to attend meetings of Oireachtas committees and speak with the permission of the Chairman. Deputy Jim O'Keeffe attended the meeting on behalf of Fine Gael and Deputy Lynch represented the Labour Party. We cannot have a situation where we must have a full blown debate in this House because people do not turn up at the relevant committee meeting.

In response to Deputy Kenny's question, we have a common travel area with the United Kingdom. I cannot put my hand on my heart and say I know exactly how many people are entering and leaving Ireland. I could only do so if I put people at every crossing point and counted those coming in and out. That is not possible.

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