This meeting has been convened for the purpose of allowing the select committee to consider the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005. I welcome the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, and his officials. Before we begin, I wish to obtain agreement from members regarding how it is proposed to dispose of the Bill. Is the Minister bound by a deadline?
Business of Select Committee.
I would appreciate it if proceedings could be concluded by 5 p.m. at the latest.
Is that acceptable to members?
We can adjourn at that point and arrange another date on which to convene and continue our deliberations.
Notwithstanding the large number of amendments, it is the hope of members on this side that we might conclude our deliberations today. The bulk of the amendments appear to be non-contentious in nature. The Bill was introduced in 2005 and even though there are a number of new amendments, I hope we will be able to complete our deliberations on it today.
We will see how matters proceed between now and 5 p.m. I request that all mobile phones be switched off at this stage.