Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I wish to put two straightforward questions to the Minister. The Taoiseach indicated that a number of member states were opposed to the retention of a Commissioner by each member state but stated that they ultimately accepted that this change is required. Will the Minister indicate the states that were strongly opposed and outline the specific arguments they put forward in this regard? Will he provide detail in respect of this matter in order that we might be assured that the undertaking relating to Commissioners is not merely being included to create the appearance of serious engagement?

President Sarkozy referred to the treaty relating to Croatia's anticipated accession in 2010 or 2011. It has been stated that some of the declarations to which the Minister, the Taoiseach and their colleagues have referred since the European Council meeting would form part of that treaty. Will the Minister indicate if that is the case? Will we have a second Lisbon treaty referendum prior to our even seeing some of the ostensibly "legally binding declarations", to use the wording employed by Government, that they will not present until 2010 or 2011? Perhaps the Minister would clarify the position in this regard.

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