Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. The Chairman will be aware that the Commission published a paper some time ago. It became clear during the early discussions on that paper that it would not be possible to get agreement across the 27 eurozone members. The treaty provides that a smaller number of member states can proceed by way of enhanced co-operation. To do this, nine states must write to the Commission indicating that they want to move in that direction. Eleven member states have done so. It is a long and intricate process under the treaties. While there will be some discussion on the matter on Tuesday, it is unlikely that significant progress will be made in the short term.