Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I will be happy to give my views on this issue. If the Taoiseach can confirm he is talking about the second week in June, Members should get on with their business.

I wish to raise another point with the Taoiseach. I assume he will attend the summit conference on Friday. An issue has arisen in respect of the conduct and behaviour of, and manner in which, Commissioner Mandelson is putting forward his case on Europe's behalf at the WTO talks. As the referendum will have taken place before the American presidential election, there is some confusion about this issue at present. A strong perception exists that the manner in which the Commissioner is presenting his case is doing neither European nor Irish agriculture any good. Perhaps the Taoiseach will raise this matter at the summit conference on Friday. I will be attending a meeting of the European People's Party grouping on Wednesday and Thursday and intend to make that position clear to members there.

Obviously, all 27 member states are now looking at Ireland and its people in respect of the decision we must make. I wish to bring to the Taoiseach's attention the clear perception nationwide that the manner in which the Commissioner is dealing with the agriculture issue at the WTO talks will have an impact on the referendum. The Taoiseach should raise this matter at the Heads of Government meeting on Friday in order that the Commissioner will understand clearly his responsibilities to Europe and, as a consequence, to Ireland in this regard.

Is the Taoiseach satisfied the Referendum Commission has sufficient resources to be able to provide information to the people in order that they will be properly informed when making their decision on this referendum? I do not agree with the theory that someone who might have a different viewpoint is a member of a headbanger brigade, the looney left or whatever. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and the commission should be able to provide accurate information in order that people will be properly informed and will be able to make up their minds when they vote.

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