Select Committee on Legislation and Security debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1996

Business of Select Committee.

Chairman

This afternoon we are dealing with the Committee Stage of the Refugee Bill. At earlier meetings of the committee, we heard substantial and comprehensive presentations from the Irish Refugee Council and Amnesty International which I am sure will greatly assist committee Members in dealing with the legislation. There is a substantial number of amendments — 123 in total — which indicates the high level of interest in the legislation.

I propose that we proceed until approximately 5 p.m. and then adjourn proceedings. We should decide whether we will continue our debate tomorrow or next week.

Mr. Browne

(Carlow-Kilkenny): Could I propose, by agreement, that we adjourn for the Order of Business at 4.15 p.m. and meet at 2.30 p.m. tomorrow?

Mr. L. Fitzgerald

I second that proposal.

Tributes to Clerk.

Chairman

Is that agreed? Agreed. Members will be aware of the need to proceed with the 123 amendments as speedily as possible, notwithstanding their importance.

There has been a change in personnel at the top table. Since our last meeting, Mr. John Roycroft, the long-standing Clerk to this committee has been transferred to another office of the House. I would like, on your behalf and my behalf, to issue a sincere thanks to Mr. Roycroft for his dedication and efficiency since the committee was established two years ago. Deputy Dan Wallace, who has sent his apologies, asked me to relay his appreciation to Mr. Roycroft, particularly for his work with the sub-committee which inquired into the events of 11 to 15 November 1994 which leasd to the fall of the last Government.

Our new Clerk is Ms Marie Kennedy who has served in many other sections in the Houses of the Oireachtas and has a high reputation for her work in the Journal Office and as Clerk to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I am sure she will give the same level of service, commitment and dedication to this important select committee as her predecessor, Mr. Roycroft.

Mr. Browne

(Carlow-Kilkenny): I would also like to pay tribute to Mr. Roycroft. He was most helpful and good humoured. I wish him well and welcome Ms. Kennedy.

Mr. L. Fitzgerald

I thank Mr. Roycroft for his co-operation and assistance which was appreciated. I welcome Ms. Kennedy and look forward to working with her.

Refugee Bill, 1995: Committee Stage.

Chairman

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Burton, to our meeting. It is the first time in my chairmanship that she has contributed on the Committee Stage of a Bill. I also welcome her officials. We look forward to a lively and interesting debate on this important legislation.