Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Let me be candid. I take the point that the approach is not ideal, but this matter appeared before and was approved by the Cabinet yesterday. In our briefing document, we indicated that the Slovenian Presidency of the Union is keen to finalise the agreement before its presidency concludes. That is not a determining factor for this Parliament, but it is the context in which we ask the matter to be taken.

The approach is not meant to set a precedent, but relates to the manner in which the matter came through our system and was approved yesterday. We are the only outstanding country from which approval is required if the agreement is to be signed under the Slovenian Presidency, which has given the matter some prominence and effort during its six-month term. It has been understanding of our recent situation. We should proceed on this basis. I take the Deputies' points, but the approach taken was unavoidable in this case.

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