Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

As we are discussing what has turned out to be the Taoiseach's last European Council meeting, I wish to pay him tribute for his work at such meetings over the years, particularly during the Irish Presidency, a significant achievement. I will discuss this later.

I welcome that the Government has determined the date for the Lisbon EU reform treaty referendum, one of the most crucial decisions faced by the people in a long time given its ramifications for Europe. At meetings across the country, I have made the point that, in explaining the treaty and in giving people as much information as possible so that they have full understanding when they vote, it is a privilege and responsibility for them to do so in the knowledge that their decisions will have an impact on the future direction and flexibility of the institutions of Europe, which deals with a population of 500 million as distinct from 250 million when there were just 15 member states.

I was glad to speak yesterday to the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Hans-Gert Pöttering, who made a substantial contribution to the Seanad. It will be followed by next weekend's visit by as many of the European People's Party's leaders as are available. Chancellor Merkel will meet the EPP and the Taoiseach on Monday. It is important for people to understand that these visits by President Pöttering, Chancellor Merkel, President Barroso and others are not a matter of campaigning on the EU reform treaty. Rather, their visits comprise a statement of Europe's interest in this country and of how important Ireland is in that context.

The issues discussed at the last Council meeting are of importance, namely, immigration, the changing demographic figures of Europe — falling birth rates compared to elsewhere — and the implications for pensions, jobs and employment opportunities in the years ahead. The Council decided and commented on matters such as food and energy security and recognised that, by 2020, there will be millions of "environmental migrants" due to the impact of climate change. I agree with the Council's decision on the targets for climate change, about which Ireland must become serious. We will not reach the targets by changing light bulbs. Rather, we will need a real drive in terms of public authorities, the State and the Government showing leadership before the average person will decide to play his or her part.

We must return to the issue of the difficulties emanating from the Middle East peace process, which is the root cause behind there being so much support for terrorism spreading out from the Middle East. I respect the right of Israel to self-defence, but clarity of statement from the European Council — that there be full negotiation and restraint in such areas — is necessary. One cannot have uncontrolled terrorist activity irrespective of from which quarter it comes. Our country is an example of having concluded agreement after 30 years of terrorist activity from a number of quarters. The European Council needs to revert to this issue on a regular basis.

I am not sure that I agree with the concept of a union of the Mediterranean tabled by President Sarkozy. If too much emphasis is placed on it, people could ask for a union of the Baltic countries, for example. Given the scale of the challenge facing the EU, we must be able to demonstrate that what worked as an initial concept at the Treaty of Rome onwards will apply in the new eastern member states. Given that the economic growth rates of the Czech Republic and Poland equal those of the Far East, one can understand that there is phenomenal potential within the Union's borders for all types of economic development and, consequently, social and personal job development.

Europe must be vigilant about the effect of the credit crunch in America, which is by no means over. Some commentators in the United States claim that the recession could continue for two years or three years and that there are unknown serious threats coming down the line. While Europe has not been directly affected by events in the US, the issue concerns us all, including the Government.

The comments of the Council and the decisions taken address Europe's main issues of the day, namely, climate change, security of energy and food, economics and future job prospects. In this context, the Taoiseach has represented Ireland ably and well and I commend him for his work over the years at European Council meetings.

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