Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The referendum was not on the agenda of the meeting because the ratification process is ongoing. A number of countries — I believe the figure is six — have ratified the treaty and a further ten will ratify it by the end of May. There were some discussions on the margins of the meeting and, to the best of my recollection, the Taoiseach intervened in an off-the-cuff manner to inform colleagues around the table how the referendum was proceeding.

On the question of the type of statements and comments which will be made over the next two months, we must be careful in this regard because people are entitled to make statements. We cannot muzzle anyone, nor would it be appropriate to suggest that people should be careful in making comments. Nevertheless, statements should be factual and the statement by the French Minister for Finance was off the wall. She was speaking from a position of some ignorance in that changes to taxation are catered for in the reform treaty. Our veto regarding taxation, alongside defence and the prohibition on participation in a common defence policy or military alliance, one of our red lines, will continue. As the Taoiseach noted on the Order of Business, the French Minister for Finance can pursue this issue for many a decade but she will not get anywhere because Ireland will use its veto. If the French wish to do something else with like-minded countries, that is their business but Ireland and a number of other member states on the same wavelength as us will not participate.

It is important to state the position in blunt terms. I do not envisage that the proposal made by the French Minister for Finance will run. The Commission and most member states are under no illusion about the Irish position regarding the referendum process. Issuing statements that are factually incorrect or making proposals that are clearly not a runner reflects more on the person who makes them than on anything else.

On climate change, the Government has established a group to advise the Cabinet committee on climate change and energy security. Discussions are ongoing at EU level on the details of proposals to tackle climate change. At this point, it is not possible to assess the costs which will be associated with the measures. However, it is not the case, as some have argued, that the impact of the proposed changes will be purely negative. The measures will encourage a rapid increase in renewable energy production and research. I have observed both in my constituency and in terms of cross-Border activity an incredible amount of commercial activity building up in the area of renewable energy. We should not view this issue from a purely negative perspective or argue that the burden is too onerous. While there will be difficulties in meeting the tough criteria and conditions, major advantages and opportunities will spring up for new business. We should see this as an opportunity.

On the Lisbon target for research and development, Ireland increased its investment in this area from 1.32% of GNP in 2000 to 1.56% of GNP in 2006 and we estimate the figure will increase to 1.9% by 2010. We are well on our way to achieving our target of investing 2.5% of GNP in research and development by 2013. While we started from a relatively low base, the Government has placed great emphasis on and heavily invested in research and development.

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