Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for missing the first page of the Minister's contribution. I congratulate him on his work so far. I have three questions on the Presidency. The first concerns the situation in Syria, which I raised with him before. The bloodshed and carnage in the country is apocalyptic. The Tánaiste has made strong statements on this and I would appreciate an update on what, if anything, the European Union and its agencies can do.

The Tánaiste touched on the overseas aid budget in the past and the budget he is taking over will include the development co-operation instrument as part of the multi-annual financial framework. I would appreciate the view of the Tánaiste on how it stands. Will we be able to protect it?

With regard to the statement on the possibility and ambition of the ECB to take over supervision of the banking system by 1 March and the question of direct recapitalisation of the banks, how does the Tánaiste see that negotiation standing in the European Union and with the countries whose support we need to make it happen?