Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I will comment on the Minister's reply to Deputy Ó Snodaigh in which he talked about not dictating to other member states. I agree with the principle of subsidiarity in the broad sense but when we speak about nuclear power, we are all aware that it is not constrained by borders. If a country decides it will use nuclear power, it impacts on others. As such, it is not good enough to use just the subsidiarity argument.

I have outlined the background of our investment in research and development and will not get into it again. While I knew that our levels of investment were not as high as our European partners, I was shocked when I read annexe 1 of the Presidency's conclusions and saw how far behind we are. As a country that hopes to move up the value chain, what will the Government do to secure our future in the knowledge economy?

A European pact on gender equality was also agreed. One of the issues raised was to close the gender gap in employment and social protection and to consider how to make welfare systems more friendly towards the employment of women. Were there any specific proposals on this matter? For example, some women in this country are still seen as dependent adults. Carers and women who work in the home are non-persons in terms of the social welfare system.

See this speech in context