Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have three questions for the Taoiseach. In respect of the period of reflection on the European constitution, which is now almost complete, what is the Government's attitude towards this? Austria was anxious to move the matter forward and other countries made soundings to the effect that we should revise activities in so far as the passing of the constitution is concerned. Has the Government considered this and, in view of the completion of the period of reflection, where does it now stand?

While the following matter will not shake the world, it might be of interest to the Taoiseach. The Committee of the Regions is the European Union institution which brings together locally elected representatives from the 25 member states. We have always espoused inclusiveness and equality. Every other European leader has respected the geographic and political balance of their respective countries in respect of representation.

Following the results of the June 2004 local elections, appointments were made for delegations of Irish members to the Committee of the Regions. The people made a choice but, despite the loss by the Taoiseach's party of 80 local authority seats, he took the opportunity to appoint five full-time members and five alternatives, whereas my party, with a similar number of council members, was given two full-time members and two alternatives. Given that every other leader in Europe respected geographical disparity and a proportionate reaction to votes, is the Taoiseach prepared to change this? I understand that in one case, the brother of a Minister was facilitated.

Os rud é gurb í seo Seachtain na Gaeilge, agus go bhfuil an Gaeilge mar theanga labhartha san Comhaontas Eorpach, cad é barúil an Thaoisigh ar an Bhille a thug an tAire Dlí agus Cirt, Comhionannais agus Athchóirithe Dlí os comhair an tSeanaid i leith sceimhlitheoireachta? An aontaíonn sé leis an mBille? It annoys me that we have a translation system in the Chamber which the public has paid for, but which is rarely used. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, translates for the Taoiseach, which is not a slight on him. There would be no shame in the Taoiseach using the headphones provided as somebody is being paid to translate. The word "sceimhlitheoireacht" means "terrorism".

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