Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Does the Taoiseach accept that a common tax base is a priority objective of the European Commission and that this priority is supported by the majority of member states, including the big players of France and Germany? Is it the case that as part of the strategy of the President of the Commission, José Manuel Barroso, to progress a common tax base he shelved this proposal until after Ireland's EU reform treaty referendum? Will the Taoiseach tell the House whether the proposition has been shelved? Is he aware this is only a temporary arrangement until after we have our referendum? What is the Government's position with regard to the common tax base proposal?

Does the Taoiseach still intend to invite the President, Mr. Barroso, to be an active campaigner in his pursuit of a "Yes" vote in the EU reform treaty referendum campaign during the course of 2008? Given Mr. Barroso's outlook and penchant, does the Taoiseach see him as someone with whom he has common cause in this area?

With regard to the water framework directive, did the Government support the introduction of the water framework directive in 2000? Did it seek exceptions for schools and other not-for-profit public services from the directive? The Lisbon treaty will give 105 new competencies to the European Union and a further 68 areas will move from consensus decision making within the European council to majority voting. Given the Government's inability to secure the national interest in the instance of the water issue in our schools, what is the position with regard to such measures in the future? Does the Taoiseach share the concern of many citizens with regard to the new powers being vested in the European Union and in the Council whereby we will have matters foisted upon us without the opportunity of veto?

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