The question of making changes in the decision-making process under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union (police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters) was raised by the European Commission in its Communication entitled ‘Implementing the Hague Programme — the way forward' which was published on 28 June 2006.
The matter was subsequently discussed at the Informal meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Tampere on 21-22 September. At that meeting, I expressed Ireland's concern at the issues which arise, in particular the possibility that such a change would undermine the Constitutional Treaty. Ireland's position in this respect remains unchanged. I should add that there would appear to be little support amongst Member States for a change in the decision-making process as suggested by the Commission.