EU Regulations: Motion

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney)

I move:

That Dáil Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to accept the following measure, insofar as the measure relates to the operational management of Eurodac, as governed by Regulation (EU) No 603/2013, and the operational management of DubliNet, established by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1560/2003:

Regulation (EU) 2018/1726 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA), and amending Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 and Council Decision 2007/533/JHA and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1077/2011,

a copy of which was laid before Dáil Éireann on 22nd November, 2018.

Deputy Barry Cowen

On a related issue I note that some weeks ago, when he was asked about the impending European elections and whether or not the UK would take its seats, the Taoiseach said that there could be two counts to provide for either outcome. I am looking for clarification from the Government. If we are to revert to the number of seats we had in the last European Parliament, surely we should revert to the constituencies and configuration we had then. If that is the case, the constituency of Laois-Offaly is left between two constituencies.

An Ceann Comhairle

I am not sure that is relevant to this motion. There is no provision for debate anyway.

Deputy Barry Cowen

It is not, but it needs to be answered and clarified, especially since the Taoiseach said there could be two counts when questioned. I could not comprehend what he was trying to say.

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy John Paul Phelan)

European Parliament legislation approved by both Houses about three weeks ago sets out that there will be one count in all three constituencies. However, if Brexit is not concluded prior to the European Elections being held the final seat in Dublin and South will not be taken up until Brexit is concluded. In light of last night's agreement, one might interpret that if Britain leaves the European Union at Hallowe'en the final seat in Dublin and in South will be taken up by those who are elected in the election of 24 May, once Britain has left the European Union. That was approved and agreed unanimously by all parties in both Houses.

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Apr 2019