Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

There is no doubt about the future of the leadership of the EU. The European Council decided on a two-track approach of reflection and action. The way forward is not yet clear but matters will become clear by the middle of next year. Last week the European Council gave a mandate for extensive consultation before a report to next June's summit. There is commitment to reach necessary decisions on the process by 2008. The focus will be on concrete issues and challenges. The Council identified key areas, including fighting crime and terrorism, facing challenges of energy and climate change and promoting economic growth and job creation. These are critically important for Ireland and the EU. Ireland remains committed to the ratification of the EU constitution. Following the decision of the European Council in June to initiate a period of reflection it was decided that no date for the referendum would be set until matters became clearer.

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