Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Agreed. I ask the Minister to deal specifically with these issues before the end of this debate. Our citizens may not have recourse to the European Court of Justice in respect of certain justice and home affairs matters that may arise from time to time. It is essential that new EU measures are debated and scrutinised and that the best interests of the people are protected. In effect, the Government is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Following Britain's lead in choosing to opt-out is excessive and unnecessary. I listened with interest to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, invoke the advice of the Attorney General when saying use of the emergency brake may be less than certain at some stage in the future. I would like the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Roche, to comment on this.

Embracing the reform treaty would help Ireland in its fight against organised crime, particularly in tackling the smuggling of drugs and people into the country. These significant issues facing society are best resolved from an EU-wide perspective. Pooling of sovereignty in the area of justice and home affairs could be a small price to pay for more effective strategies to tackle criminality which would result in safer streets and environment for the people. Moreover, embracing the treaty would reaffirm our position as a key and confident player in a growing EU family — a position that has served us well and can continue to benefit the people. We are at a crossroads. This opt-out marks a clear departure in our relationship with the European Union, one we may well live to regret.

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