Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Tánaiste and wish him well in his work during Ireland's Presidency. He has a particularly heavy workload. It is interesting that a recovery country is driving the recovery of Europe as he said in his address. I very much welcome the commitment to putting investment in sustainable jobs and growth at the top of the agenda. Is there anything that the Tánaiste hopes to achieve during the six months that might be a game changer and might have an impact in Europe and in particular in our country given our high level of unemployment? Are any innovative ideas being explored?

The situation in Syria is of grave concern to us all. While there is obviously agreement in EU countries on what needs to be done, does the Tánaiste envisage any significant breakthrough being made in this conflict during the Presidency? Does the Tánaiste have any plans to drive some initiatives that might make a difference?

I join with colleagues who have raised the issue of Bosnia and Herzegovina's prospects within the EU. I very much welcome the statement that this country is supportive of Bosnia and Herzegovina achieving membership eventually. Would it be possible for the Tánaiste to outline in more detail what the political leaders in Bosnia must do in order to make progress and assist their membership application? There is grave concern that within a short period the country will face years of drift, division and further conflict unless there is more support for them within the EU. Most committee members would wish that this country would not alone be supportive but would be seen to be so and helpful to the situation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I wish the Tánaiste well. No doubt we will have further engagements during the course of the Presidency.