Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

As I represent many farmers in my constituency, I want to see a balanced outcome that treats farmers and other interests fairly. I am more interested in this issue as it pertains to Lisbon. Can the Minister confirm that Ireland has used its veto just once, in 1983, since it joined the European Union? Does he agree that the way to do business in Europe is to establish alliances and build relationships? That support can be used when one is in a tight corner. It seems to me that people were deliberately confusing the World Trade Organisation talks and the Lisbon treaty. I understand that the Lisbon treaty strengthens the Irish position in that it does not affect our veto in any way but does provide for an additional measure whereby any agreement will require the oversight and approval of the European Parliament. Why was that not clarified at an early stage? Is it not important, in the context of the future developments which we all want to be brought to a sensible conclusion, for us to get that issue clarified fully? We need to make the facts of the matter clear, regardless of whether a new agreement is reached. It may be called Lisbon 1, Lisbon 2 or something else. Our position will remain the same as long as we do not lose every friend we have in Europe as we try to get the best deal we can.

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