Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge Deputy O'Brien's support and that of his party. I regret the fact that Ireland and Greece are somewhere behind in terms of the formal ratification. There are a number of reasons for that. It was not to do with a principle issue but the fact that we were particularly busy in recent years in terms of the composition of committees, elections and so on. That is why I hope we can agree the motion this morning. There was no issue of principle or legal or procedural obstacle. It was just that over the course of our business we were not in a position to bring matters to fruition in the manner in which we will do now.

On the second question, I do not have that information to hand. I would be happy to communicate it privately to the Deputy or to the Chairman.