Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I am glad that is the case.

In regard to Deputy Allen's question on double majority voting, I made the point earlier in response to Deputy Barrett that it was no wonder people lost interest when we slipped into using this type of jingoistic terminology. Yes, it is the case that the new system of double majority voting has been pushed back to 2014 and, as made clear in the statement, if any member state so wishes, it may be deferred until 2017. Poland has difficulties with this provision. Therefore, the answer to the Deputy's first question is yes.

On the issue of energy, I draw Deputy Allen's attention to two specific references in the mandate, one relating to energy solidarity and the other to climate strategy. I will provide the specific references if the Deputy so wishes. I make the point, however, that this is where we lose the peoples of Europe. Rather than talking about the issues, we are talking about chapters and paragraphs, thanks to the Deputy. Included in chapter 4 is the statement:

Without prejudice to any other procedures provided for in the Treaties, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission, may decide, in a spirit of solidarity with Member States, upon the measures appropriate to the economic situation, in particular if severe difficulties arise in the supply of certain products, notably in the area of energy.

There is a specific reference to the matter. Reference is also made to climate change later in the same section. The answers to the Deputy's questions, therefore, are "yes" and "yes".

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