Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy, having asked a question, does not listen to the answer. That is a bad habit. The difference is that the British changed their position from the 2004 position. Decisions made in the Justice and Home Affairs Council were for many years based on unanimity. Differences exist not only in our common law systems but also in the way we look at legal positions and how such positions are adopted. With the British opting out, we were obliged to accept that we might find ourselves in an extremely weak position in particular areas where QMV would operate. It should not affect many areas but we must recognise that legal issues might arise that could be particularly unique or that could represent a serious change for our system.

Reference was made to 25 out of the 27 member states. The position in this regard is that 25 of the 27 member states have different legal systems.

All we are doing is that in certain areas where the Council would otherwise arrive at a decision on the basis of unanimity, we will opt out under QMV. There are not many areas where that——

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