This section seeks to add two paragraphs to the European Communities Act, 1972. I should like to bring the attention of the House to sub-paragraph (n) which refers to the decision on 11 June 1985 of the Council of the European Communities relating to the accession of the Kingdom of Spain and the Portuguese Republic to the European Coal and Steel Community. I can understand that Treaty being something which is quite capable, which is referred to in the previous sub-paragraph, of being looked up; but with regard to the question of a decision, is there only one decision taken on that day to which this could possibly refer? Was the only matter covered by that decision, that is the question of the accession of the Kingdom of Spain and the Portuguese Republic to the Community? Lastly, where is that decision definitively recorded? This decision will be part of our domestic law. What we are proposing to do is to make that decision part of our law. I understand that a treaty can become part of the law and you can go into any library and look up the treaty. I wonder is the decision as formal a thing as the treaty. Is it as readily available? It would be no harm, if it is readily available, if the Minister would put on record where it is available. Will it be published, for example, in Iris Oifigiúil? Will it be available as part of the domestic law for anybody who in the future might need to refer to it in relation to any matter which might fall to be discussed or to be decided either outside the courts or within the courts?
European Communities (Amendment) Bill, 1985: Committee and Final Stages.
Could I just mention to the Senator said that IN refers to one of the instruments of accession. It has been laid before the House. It is available in the House and is part of our domestic law. It is one of the instruments of accession.
Is it clearly identifiable?
I am assuming it is.
I have no doubt that it may be in the Oireachtas Library, but the point is that what is referred to is the decision. Is there only one such decision and is it a clearly identifiable document? Is it a document which says on the top of it "This is the decision taken on the 11th day of June"?
I am advised that there is a document which has written across the top of it or the bottom of it, "Decision relating to the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Coal and Steel Community". I am advised of that.
And there is only one such document?
One such document, yes.