Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

How does the Minister propose to progress the agreements reached at the summit in respect of the Lisbon treaty? What is the position regarding the conditional response to a second referendum? How does the Minister propose to deal with the Opposition in the House in respect of this matter? Does he intend to establish a new committee or will the existing sub-committee remain in place? What steps does he propose to take in the context of introducing domestic legislation relating to the EU directives — such as the services directive, the agency workers directive and the migrant workers directive — that are awaiting transposition into Irish law? There is also the question of the employment law compliance legislation. A report published yesterday indicates that fewer than half of those employed in the hotel and services industries are paid the minimum wage and that 75% of them are not paid overtime at weekends.

Between now and the summer of next year — when the Czech Republic will hold the Presidency of the EU — what steps does the Minister propose to take to deal with the issues raised at the summit? How does he propose to progress matters relating to them to a satisfactory conclusion?

On the €200 billion stimulus package, why does Ireland seem to have difficulty in drawing down the money available from the European Investment Bank? Why has none of the €30 billion available from this source in respect of small and medium enterprises not been drawn down by Irish banks to date? Such enterprises here are crying out for cash but the banks are not making it available. The banks are stonewalling these businesses and stating that they have no problem as regards liquidity. However, there is no sign of credit being provided. Why do we appear to have a problem with regard to drawing down EU money?

Matters relating to Zimbabwe were discussed at the Council meeting and I understand the case of Jestina Mukoko, a campaigner for human rights in that country, was raised. Was any progress made in the context of pressurising South Africa, the key player in the region, to take action? Did the possibility of imposing sanctions arise at the Council meeting? I understand certain Irish pension funds are invested in the region. Perhaps taking action in respect of these might be an appropriate avenue of action.

See this speech in context