Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am not sure if the Taoiseach has asked the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with responsibility for children, Deputy Barry Andrews, to work towards completion of a referendum either on strict liability or on the broader issue. Perhaps he will clarify that matter.

The Taoiseach stated that the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Roche, who is not in the House, is responsible for the co-ordination of a coherent approach to the European issue, with which I agree. Unfortunately, that is not what happened over the past couple of months. Except for the occasional cursory contact I had with the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, at the forum in Dublin Castle, there was not the type of co-ordination one would expect in respect of such an issue.

Regarding the decision by the people on the Lisbon treaty, it has been brought to my attention that many sectors encounter difficulties as a consequence of the implementation of the transposition of the directives into Irish law.

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