John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators for their support on this motion. It has been characteristic of the broad cross-party support for the European Union and it has been one of the positive features of the political landscape of the European Union for many years.

It is unfortunate the acronym COSI is being used. It does not sound forceful or rigorous enough for the work of a committee. It seems a little laid back. I understand why Senators picked up on that point.

Co-operation in the area of justice and home affairs is one of the most important areas of action given that it takes up some of the most fundamental concerns of Europe's citizens such as organised crime, drug trafficking and trafficking of persons. If we are to deal effectively with those, we need that co-operation from all involved.

Senator Regan asked about Ireland participating. The way I would put it, in terms of pursuing our own agenda, is there is no place for us to be passive members on this committee. We need to play an active role, and I believe strongly in that.

Senator O'Donovan reminded us of some of the successes of international co-operation. He referred to the maritime operations in Lisbon where seven European countries, including Ireland, provide maritime analysis, and the seizures that were made off the south coast. While we speak of the success of customs, seizures, etc., I reiterate, because often this is not acknowledged by us, that intelligence from Ireland also results in seizures in other jurisdictions. It is a point worth noting, that the work of our security forces, be it the Garda or Customs and Excise, in gathering intelligence bears fruit in other jurisdictions. International co-operation, as witnessed through what happens from the maritime analysis centre in Lisbon, demonstrates clearly the effectiveness of co-operation.

I sympathise with Senator Norris's trials and tribulations. He raised a number of questions in the area of the Schengen Agreement. I want to put something on the record. He made a specific point which was not about his travels and his woes. It was one of his earlier comments on Senator O'Donovan's contribution. Senator Norris stated that the drug seizures represent only 5% to 10% of the total. There is no shred of evidence to support that. It is a figure that is often thrown out and people involved in security would disagree with it. In fact, UN figures would suggest that 40% is the seizure rate, not 5% to 10%. One way or another, 10% has become a figure that is put about as though it is factual. There is no evidence to support that figure and in many regards it is disingenuous to the real efforts and improvements because, year on year, the security forces are becoming more effective in their detection work.

Senator de Búrca raised a number of issues. First, I note the time for this was short. I apologise for that but it was not of my making. I understand that it was a decision of the House. I would not like it to be said that we came in and rushed it through. I was at the mercy of what the House wanted to do in that regard.

On MI5 or other members who would be on the committee, it is a matter for each of the member states to address what membership would be appropriate. The concept of the internal security is a broader one, covering not only crime and terrorism but also natural disasters. I was asked who would have overall responsibility for this from an Irish point of view. It will reside with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

This committee will report at regular intervals and those reports will make their way to all national parliaments as well as the European Parliament. I thank all Senators who have supported the establishment of this committee despite its somewhat unfortunate name.