Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I would not like to hear Deputy Ó Caoláin's contribution when Sinn Féin decides a position if that was his contribution while his party is still deliberating. Notwithstanding that, he is entitled to make his contribution.

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs confirm whether, under the Constitution, the Government can introduce a proposal for a constitutional referendum as often as it wishes? I will not go down the road of discussing the number of times America's suffragettes needed to make proposals. They were told "No" 30 or 40 times before they got the vote.

Will the Minister confirm the co-finance measures to deal with the pork crisis? What funding, if any, will be available from the EU? At the bishops' conference this week, Bishop Fields called on the Government to urge the EU to send peacekeeping troops to the Congo. Did this possibility arise during the Council meeting? While the African Union-UN force in the Congo is working to the best of its ability, additional forces are required in the region to restore peace and stability to the Congo. Currently, this could only be done by EU troops.

Reference was made to the Middle East peace process. Will the Minister inform the House of the EU's role in the Quartet discussions?

Regarding the €200 billion economic stimulus package, what input will Ireland have and over what period will it last?

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