Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his questions. The horizon of the reflection group is from 2020 to 2030. It is not designed to examine the institutional framework of the European Union or the financial perspectives but to examine what type of challenges face the European Union as a whole. These include issues such as sustainable development, climate change, energy security and how to address some of the transnational problems that will confront us in the years ahead. This is the purpose of the reflection group.

The Deputy referred to the Taoiseach's statement that there would be no further institutional change for the foreseeable future. This view forms part of the conclusions of all member states which agreed that the reform treaty will, as its title suggests, reform the institutions in a manner that takes into account the increase in the number of member states to 27. We have had this debate previously. Some people argue that the European Union is not as cohesive as they would like. This is primarily due to the need to strike a balance between member states' national interests and the interests of the Union as a whole. The fact is that in Europe we have had the experience of having no wars on this continent for the longest period in history. That is probably one of the strongest views as to why we should continue to be part of the EU and be a good member of it.

The Deputy asked about the membership of the reflection group. Three persons were chosen, one for the chair and two for the vice chair. It was agreed that the rest of the membership will be decided in conjunction with the member states in the second half of the year. There is no rush on this — it is to report to Council in July 2010. As the horizon is from 2020 to 2030, there is plenty of time for them to start the deliberations. It is a good exercise but it will not change anything we do dramatically. One of its functions is to look at the key challenges that affect us on a cross-border basis.

In regard to military capabilities, I heard what the Deputy said in regard to Chad. While some of us would have somewhat similar views on the issue of colonisation, the fact is we are where we are. It is incumbent on us as a developed nation to be part of an international effort to help those people survive. Having visited Chad over one month ago, where I saw the sheer difficulties under which people live because of war, which is not of their making, it is important for us, on a humanitarian basis, to protect them. We should be part of an international effort to make it possible for those people to survive.

Having spent a number of years at the EU table, it is vitally important, whether it is a natural or a man made disaster, that we as a group respond and respond well. That is why Ireland, thankfully, is leading the position on Chad. In regard to cost, I do not have the figures available but I suggest the Deputy tables a question to the line Minister on that issue. He will be able to provide some information in regard to other member states also, based on their discussions at EU level.

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