Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The committee has not met because it has not been set up yet. It is in the process of being set up. I spoke to the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Creighton, before I came to the House. The first meeting will take place in the next couple of weeks. It is premature, therefore, to suggest that it should have prepared reports in regard to the fiscal compact and other issues. That work is being co-ordinated by the Second Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach. A great deal of technical work is being done and technical discussions are taking place between officials at a range of levels.

With regard to rebuilding our reputation, this has paid clear dividends in the diplomatic relations between Ireland and others not only within politics but outside because Ministers are required not only to attend European Council meetings but to have programmes around those meetings where they can meet and consult their colleagues, peers, working groups and so on in Europe. The interdepartmental committee will comprise senior officials of all Departments, the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. It will look to ensure Ministers engage to the maximum extent with their respective Councils.

It will encourage a closer relationship, at political and at official level, with the EU institutions, including the European Commission and the European Parliament. Often we discuss issues here without reference to what is happening in the Commission and in the European Parliament. It will promote the seeking of greater engagement at Oireachtas level in EU affairs. There is no reason we cannot have more regular interaction in the House about issues that are under discussion, be they legislative or whatever, at European Union level. It also will put forward a range of propositions for greater public awareness, both of the European Union and of the benefits to this country, not least in the context of an enormous workload which is building up for the 2013 EU Presidency, the first six months of which will be held by Ireland.

See this speech in context