Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 2008

Vol. 192 No. 7

Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996: Referral to Joint Committee.

Senator Donie Cassidy

I move:

That the proposal that Seanad Éireann resolves that sections 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 (No. 29 of 1996) shall continue in operation for the period ending on 31 December 2010, be referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights in accordance with paragraph (1) (Seanad) of the Orders of Reference of that committee, which, not later than 4 December 2008, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 72, and Standing Order 74(2) shall accordingly apply.

Senator Eugene Regan

On a point of order, four motions are being referred to committee without debate. Perhaps the Leader will consider this. They concern EU legislation in the area of criminal law. On Thursday, the motion on terrorism is to return to the House, again to be taken without debate. We are often criticised for not scrutinising and debating EU legislation and it is suggested that it is introduced by stealth. It is, therefore, unsatisfactory procedurally that none of these issues is subject to debate in the House.

Senator David Norris

I support Senator Regan's point. I actually——

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

I am not allowing a debate on it. Has the Senator a point of order?

Senator David Norris

I am not debating it. I would just like to explain, in terms of the business of the House——

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

These points should be made on the Order of Business.

Senator David Norris

I actually went to the trouble of obtaining the statutory instrument referred to in this regard. It is quite significant because, as with other matters raised, we are putting this through without debate.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

Those points should be made on the Order of Business.

Senator David Norris

It is a question of the absence of a domestic definition of terrorism. This House should debate matters such as a legal definition of terrorism in this jurisdiction.

Senator Donie Cassidy

On a point of clarification, Thursday morning's business will be put to the House and it will make a decision thereon. There was a typing error in the Order of Business for the three days this week in that there should not have been a reference to "without debate" in respect of Thursday morning's business. I am sorry for the inconvenience.

Senator Eugene Regan

I thank the Leader for that clarification.

Question put and agreed to.