Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Since France took over the EU Presidency in July, I have accompanied the Taoiseach to two meetings with President Sarkozy and Foreign Minister Kouchner at which we had comprehensive and constructive discussions. Consequently, we have gained a good understanding of each other's position on key EU issues, which will serve us well as we prepare for the October and December European Councils at which matters of considerable significance for Ireland and the Union will be discussed.

On 21 July, the Government and the Presidency discussed the Lisbon treaty in Dublin during a visit by President Sarkozy. On that occasion, the Taoiseach stressed the need for the decision of the people to be respected and explained the Government's objective of developing a fuller understanding of the concerns that influenced the outcome of the referendum before deciding on the best way forward. The Taoiseach also stressed that the people remained committed to Ireland's full involvement in the European Union.

During the meeting we exchanged views on the situation in Sudan and Chad and the important contribution being made by the EUFOR Chad-CAR mission to which Ireland and France are the two largest troop contributors and which is under the command of Lieutenant General Pat Nash. There was also a discussion of the situation regarding Iran and its nuclear programme. During his visit to Dublin President Sarkozy also discussed the outcome of the referendum with representatives of the political parties and others who had been active on either side of the referendum campaign.

On 1 October I accompanied the Taoiseach to Paris for a further meeting with President Sarkozy and Foreign Minister Kouchner. This meeting provided a useful opportunity for preparatory work ahead of next week's European Council. It allowed the Taoiseach to bring the President up to date with the latest developments in Ireland, including the findings of the independent research commissioned by the Government and the establishment of the Oireachtas Sub-committee on Ireland's Future in the European Union. At this meeting the Taoiseach also outlined the measures that the Government had announced to safeguard the Irish financial system. The French Presidency has been giving priority to dealing with the financial crisis. It is expected the Union's response to the crisis will be the central topic at next week's European Council meeting. Ireland is open to a comprehensive European response and regards the European Council as an important opportunity for the Union to contribute to stabilising financial markets and managing the economic effects of the current upheavals.

See this speech in context