Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Kenny asked a number of questions. With regard to the poll, it will always be shown that in a referendum, whatever the issue is, a large proportion of people will be in the "Don't Know" category. This poll shows we need the maximum amount of information out there. In fairness to the public, they go about their everyday business and cannot be expected to follow the minute level of developments from preparation for the convention, through the convention, the first round of discussions, the period of reflection and finally to what is almost agreed. For the public, this was a long drawn out process over the better part of a decade. The public will not be familiar with what is in the reform treaty and this is the challenge for the Government and people who are supportive.

The Government has a responsibility so people can listen to the conclusion of the long debate that took place and to show the importance of the issues, the reason for them and the reason the decisions worked on for almost a decade have come to this position.

On the CCCTB initiative, I do not think we would be the only country opposing it and this is important. As Deputy Kenny knows from his colleagues, this debate gunges on and is never ending. In my view it will be never ending. Countries believe it would be the greatest thing forever if we harmonised everything. There are centralists such as my old Belgian colleague who I think is no longer there — it is nine months since the election but they go on forever forming governments. Others believe this is essential and others like ourselves are opposed to them. I always held the view that complicated tax issues are first of all for the sovereign independent state to make a decision on. Tax harmonisation in other blocs of the world, such as Asia and the United States, and tax competition has never done anything but good. I do not believe Europe should be concerned with this issue. However, certain arguments may have some validity and the debate will continue. I do not foresee it being signed off but the Commission and the European Parliament are aware of our stance on it. I have been involved with four rounds of negotiations on this issue and it will keep returning in some form or other. There are those who believe in its merits and that it would solve a lot of issues for them.

For many years it has not been the case when the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, lead campaigns with IDA and Enterprise Ireland to win foreign direct investment that we have been in competition with our colleagues around Europe. Increasingly, the competition comes from China, Bangalore in India and Singapore, which must be admired for its ability as a small country to deal with these issues. At the European level, it is Switzerland rather than any EU member which is aggressive in this area. In terms of areas that are moving up, Puerto Rico is extraordinary. I do not think any of these are in the EU. I am continually making this point to colleagues and, when they look at their own figures, they see that is the position. Why, therefore, do the centralists continue to make this argument? I suppose they are equally bored with my arguments against them but it is one of those long running issues which will continue into the dim and distant future.

With regard to Deputy Kenny's question on children's rights, a number of issues arise. Three High Court judges are totally tied up with family law business. I take the Deputy's point regarding the Children Court and perhaps that could be better harmonised. I do not know what the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has proposed or if he has any proposals to bring forward on the matter. In all circumstances, we should try to have the best, fairest and most compatible arrangements for looking after young people but I do not know the specifics of the matter.

Deputy Kenny asked about something else.

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