Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

A directive is normally issued by the European Commission before being transposed into law, with amendments, by the parliament of each member state. In this case, the scheme has been agreed by the Government and the Commission. It will come before this House for the first time on Friday. Surely the principle that applies when directives are being transposed — this House has the power to make adjustments according to Ireland's needs as a member state — should apply in this instance. That is what happens right across the board, in the case of all legislation that comes from the Commission to member states. I ask for clarification in that regard.

My second point relates to the Taoiseach, who is attending a European Council meeting for the first time in Brussels tomorrow. He will set out Ireland's proposals in the aftermath of the Lisbon treaty referendum earlier this year. It would be too much to expect to be given a preview of those proposals at this stage. Can he give us some idea of the thrust of the remarks he will make to the Heads of State tomorrow?

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