Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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I apologise to the Tánaiste that I have to leave early. I wish him and the Government well for the Irish Presidency. I note his mature political response to the suggestion by the Conservatives in Britain that they will have a referendum to pull out of Europe. It is very clear that not only are most member states are disturbed at this development but so also is the United States of America which has issued stern warnings that it regards it as a retrograde step by Britain to even consider pulling out of Europe. The US would rather see Britain remaining as a strong member of the EU.

In his capacity as Minister with responsibility for trade, it is important that the Tánaiste states loudly and clearly that Ireland is well used to having plebiscites and referenda on European treaties. Time and again we have supported the treaties. It may have been necessary to have a second vote on some occasions but we have always proven to be very loyal and supportive members of the European community. In that context, given the important role of foreign direct investment in the world economy and given the nature of Ireland as an open economy, I trust the Tánaiste to highlight at every opportunity to the world - particularly those non-EU countries seeking to make investments - that Ireland is in for the long haul within the European community and that we would welcome all forms of foreign direct investment to further the investment prospects of those who take the chance with us.

I do not know whether the Tánaiste has already congratulated Benjamin Netanyahu who has just won the general election in Israel, albeit in a weaker capacity. I understand that some gains may have been made by the centre-left parties, which would be extremely progressive in the context of Israel. A weaker coalition might temper Mr. Netanyahu's attitude to the role of Israel in the Middle East. Is it the Tánaiste's intention to engage with the new Government with a view to pursuing on behalf of Europe and Ireland the need to establish serious negotiations with the Palestinians within the region to bring peace?

We mentioned Algeria, which is one of many countries in north Africa confronted by terrorism by fundamentalist Muslim groups. Countries across the region such as Mali, Mauritania, Niger and northern Nigeria, around the region of Kano where massacres have been reported, are also confronted by it. There is a common thread regarding those carrying out their terrorist gangster activities from Algeria across the Sahara and into these various countries. Can the Tánaiste assure me that while the French saw their role as stalling the growth of terrorist movements in Mali, we will argue very strongly with both the Nigerian and Algerian Governments, which have the most powerful armies in the region, to work under the guidance of the African Union in conjunction with the UN to stymie and stall the growth of terrorism in that region?

I am delighted the Irish Government is taking a supportive stand on the candidate status of Albania. I suppose we will be able to look at the outcome of its election process this year with a view to assessing its further determination to change with a view to entering the EU.