Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 7, line 12, to delete "as soon as may be" and substitute the following: "within a time period allowing reasonable time for the order to be examined but not longer than 12 months".

I am hopeful that the Minister will agree to these reasonable amendments. I have already referred to the unfortunate terms of the agreement of 2014. Amendment No. 2 proposes that any future agreements would be subject to scrutiny for a period of time not longer than 12 months, which a reasonable period. Amendment No. 3 proposes that: "[T]he laying of such an order shall be accompanied by the general publication and circulation to members of the Oireachtas of documents [this is important] clarifying the meaning and consequences of said order including but not limited to maps, charts and preparatory works of any related treaty negotiation." I have to say again on the record that what happened in 2014 was absolutely shameful and a disgrace. It was also unconstitutional. We hope there will be ongoing negotiations following what is going to happen tonight. We are proposing in amendment No. 3 that, in future, any agreements in regard to maritime boundaries will be subject to proper scrutiny in the Houses of the Oireachtas and that all the information will be made available and given proper democratic treatment. That is the purpose of these two amendments and I hope they are agreed. It is entirely reasonable in a democracy that we would request what is set out in these proposals.

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