Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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I will join in the spirit of having a grouping of questions from three members by making a few comments now. I welcome the agenda and it sends out a clear message. Europe is not in a time of crisis at the moment which gives us quite a rare opportunity to examine some of the areas on which we fall down. I am interested in one of the messages that at last is coming strongly from Europe, that of the concept of "think small first". In order words, that with regulations in place and so on that small businesses would be considered. Having small businesses established and supporting people in becoming self-employed is the best way to tackle unemployment across the Continent because such businesses are very labour intensive. Europe has recently focused on industry rather than smaller businesses. I ask the Minister of State to push that message at the Council.

The other area where Europe falls down badly is that of innovation. Many people wince at the mention of term "entrepeneurship".

The people of the Continent of Europe tend to be extremely risk adverse. Of the top 50 companies in the world in the past 25 years, only one is European. A total of 80% of university students in America have the aspiration to set up their own business but the figure in Europe is less than a third of those surveyed. Now is the time to push the agenda in that respect, in particular given that this week’s budget was so focused on small business innovation and getting people back to work through the small business sector.

The Minister of State, Deputy Donohoe, from an Irish perspective is uniquely positioned to focus on labour mobility, which is a considerable failing of the European system. It is ridiculous to Irish people and those in Spain, Greece, Portugal and other areas of high unemployment that there are significant labour shortages in northern Europe. That must be addressed. We must bite the bullet in that it is not about exporting young people but satisfying the demand that exists. We have a shortage of labour in certain sectors as well so it is not just about net outflows of people from this country as there is potential for people to come here also.

Could the Minister of State refer briefly to recent reports about Albania? Talks on its accession were suggested by the Commissioner this week. Three years ago there was a refusal to enter into talks on Albania’s accession because of its reputation for organised crime and other issues.

This morning the committee met Lord Wallace. The Minister of State met him prior to his coming to the meeting. Could he comment please on what he heard? There has been some discussion on Spain and Italy. I fully accept what the Minister of State said about this country not interfering in what happens in other countries but the current debate in the United Kingdom affects us in various ways. I would welcome a comment from the Minister of State in that regard.