Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Members of the House for their supportive comments regarding the motion. As Senator Regan said, to a great extent it is an innocent proposal that is about having a flow of information between member states and about the whole area of judicial co-operation. That is what is involved. As to why the motion is put forward at this time, we had the 2001 decision and technical amendments to that are now being brought forward. That must be taken into consideration as well.

Senator Denis O'Donovan asked about the contact point in this country, and that is the Courts Service. I thank Senator Bacik for her comments. The value of the network's website is precisely the kind of practical tool that will be available regarding the flow of information in the civil area. As Senator Boyle said, by and large we are talking about civil and commercial cases and people living up to their payment responsibilities across the EU, whether these concern maintenance or other kinds of payment. This is a practical approach to the matter. Discussion is not complete and there may be variation as it goes on. Ireland is party to the decision already and we will now become party to the amended decision. I welcome the support of the House on the matter.