Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Ireland has always supported various phases of enlargement of the EU, once the Copenhagen criteria are met and the negotiations and accession treaties are agreed. That requires unanimity. The issue for many member states is how they see the effectiveness of the EU in the future and, in the absence of arrangements contemplated in the Lisbon treaty, the impact enlargement will have on the efficacy of the activities of the EU. I can only speak for Ireland and we support enlargement.

Regarding President Sarkozy's visit, the offer was made to come as the incoming Presidency and to give concrete expression that colleagues wish to assist in whatever way they can to help us see how matters can be moved forward. I welcome the fact that the incoming president wants to come to Ireland. He is more than welcome. He wishes to discuss his Presidency's programme and to have preliminary discussion on the background and circumstances of the "No" vote, which I welcome.

Deputy Kenny's comments on the Referendum Commission have been somewhat critical since the outcome of the referendum. I am not critical of it, it did a good job.

See this speech in context