Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

Regrettably, having identified the remaining issues of concern to various member states, the Presidency decided not to pursue the search for a solution at the Council. Ireland was fully prepared to assist in trying to resolve outstanding issues at the Council rather than postpone addressing these.

In its Council declaration, the Portuguese Presidency urged forthcoming presidencies, together with the European Commission, to proceed with efforts to achieve a positive and final outcome on both directives, based on the integrated approach, which received positive support as a way forward.

See this speech in context