Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister of State and his team. There have been a number of referendum campaigns in this country and very often it is a case of perception versus reality - perception of what a vote is about versus the reality of what it is about. We saw this with the referenda on the Lisbon and Nice treaties. The emigration and financial crises have tested the resolve of many of the firmest EU supporters over recent years. It is especially difficult for a country such as the UK where there are splits on a likely referendum campaign between and within leading parties. It seems to have come faster than any of us would have anticipated and there is talk of a referendum in June. It may not happen then but it will certainly be in the very near future.

On the Minister of State's and Taoiseach's discussions on the UK's demands, what areas does the Minister of State feel Ireland has been particularly helpful on? On the migration situation, there is a perception that people are coming to the EU for welfare. The view that people are getting benefits that others are being denied is especially prevalent in the UK. Deputy Dooley touched on it and it comes up the odd time in canvassing. How is that being fed by the migration crisis that exists at the moment? Ultimately, if a referendum takes place in the UK or anywhere in the EU, that view will certainly be at its core. Is there growing support because of the migration crisis across the EU that something has to be done about the unnatural draw of the welfare system, as has been stated by a Minister in the UK? Is there increasing support in other countries, such as Germany or France? We know the situation that has pertained in Germany over recent weeks and how this issue has been heightened.