Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Arising from the Taoiseach's response, are staff assigned to the aforementioned Ministers of State in the other Departments to which they are attached? In other words, do Ministers of State with responsibilities in two Departments have staff assigned to look after them in both Departments or are they attached to one set of civil servants in the Taoiseach's Department?

I have listened to the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, a number of times and he has referred to integration issues, as well as to a committee on integration. I regard the question of immigration and integration as being a serious challenge for all, in addition to constituting a great opportunity if we get it right. Will the Taoiseach consider amending the responsibilities given to the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, to include integration as well as immigration? While he is the Minister of State with responsibility for immigration, this issue is closely tied to questions regarding integration.

I cannot discern any difficulties in this regard from the Taoiseach's perspective because when the Minister of State speaks about the committee for integration, obviously the question is closely related to his official responsibilities. Will the Taoiseach consider expanding his brief to be the Minister of State with responsibility for both immigration and integration, which are closely intertwined across a number of Departments. Such a development would be to great effect because this issue is highly important in the context of the kind of society that will emerge in Ireland in the next 20 years. A Minister of State with responsibility for immigration is somewhat confined or restricted in his responsibilities when they do not encompass a broader dimension and deal with issues that are highly relevant to integration. This matter should be examined.

I understand the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will bring before the Cabinet next week the proposal regarding the opt-out from the EU reform treaty. Does the Taoiseach believe that Ireland's stance regarding the Schengen Agreement should be reconsidered? Obviously, the common travel area between Ireland and Britain, which has existed since the foundation of the State, will be changed when Britain decides to implement its electronic border around the mainland of England, Scotland and Wales. Does the Taoiseach believe this issue should be reconsidered in the context of an Irish or an Ireland dimension? I refer to the position in which we find ourselves regarding the Schengen Agreement whereby we were corralled to follow Britain. When Britain stayed out, as a consequence so did we. The Taoiseach should respond to these three questions.

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