Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Will the Tánaiste outline what arrangements are in place for the briefing of Opposition parties in regard to the Lisbon treaty? I asked yesterday for a debate on this before the Taoiseach goes to the Council meeting next week. I understand that has been agreed for Tuesday, but I should like to know what the format will be and whether it is proposed to give Opposition leaders or their parties some analysis of what the Government is now calling the elements of a solution. I should like to know what this is about, because the Government is now briefing the Finnish Government and will then brief the German Government and Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Luxembourg. We have had no consultation, good, bad or indifferent with the Government, here in this House, where this matter will have to be dealt with in the future.

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