Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

A European Council meeting on 18 and 19 October will finally adopt the reform treaty which will be put to a referendum here. At the previous European summit which dealt with this, an issue arose in regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights in which the Taoiseach indicated that Ireland might exercise some opt out from that charter. That was subsequently clarified when there was a certain reaction.

One other issue concerning that discussion which will be finalised in a matter of weeks is the exercise of an opt out in the area of policing and judicial co-operation in criminal law matters, and the work of the European institutions and the European Union in that area. It is evident there is a split in Cabinet on this issue because the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, has stated publicly he is against the exercise of this opt out.

It appears this matter has not been discussed in the Dáil or in this House and has not been the subject of any discussion by the Joint Committee on European Affairs. I ask for a debate on this matter before a decision is taken. It falls to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to clarify the position now. I hope he will be in the House later this morning. It is appropriate to invite him to clarify the issue. We will all play a part in the reform treaty referendum campaign and we should know the basis on which these decisions are being made. The decision will be made on 18 and 19 October. The lower House had a debate on policing and judicial co-operation yesterday. We are well aware of the transnational character of crime and criminal organisations. The Government needs all the help it can get from Europe and we should play our full part in the efforts of Europe in this area.