Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

Does the Taoiseach not agree that this is a classical democratic deficit in the way European matters are dealt with in that he will proceed to final discussions on this and essentially sign us up to opting out in the justice and security areas without a detailed debate in this House or a statement from the Government setting out clearly the reason for the approach being taken? Does he also agree that in the interest of future debate on this treaty, there should be substantial transparency with regard to why this State enters into arrangements subject to a referendum taking place?

Does he agree the absence of such debate means that not only is there a democratic deficit in that no Member will in advance of the next summit contribute to the discussion, but the public will not be informed on the basis upon which the Government is approaching what is a very important issue?

The Taoiseach should consider that this matter should be urgently debated in this House, if not tomorrow then next week. He should also acknowledge the huge importance of this country co-operating with all other European Union states in the fight against the drug barons operating across the length and breadth of the EU, who are using this State as an entry point for importing drugs into the rest of Europe.

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