Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach might be surprised to hear that I agree with him. He responded to Deputy Gilmore on how we in this House should be in a position to have far more effective structures. We could start by having longer periods of Dáil sittings. If the Government Whip brings forward proposals to change the way we do business in the House, he will find support from members of the Opposition.

The Taoiseach made the point that the Lisbon treaty was a conduit for Europe having a single voice in international affairs. During the French Presidency of the EU, President Sarkozy brought this to a new level. In the context of having a single voice, has the Government decided to hold a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty? Was that discussed at the summit in the context of strengthening Europe? Has the Taoiseach been in touch with the Government of the Czech Republic about the declarations being drafted?

After the Georgia fracas, the EU suspended talks with Russia on a long-term partnership agreement. This was to be reviewed by the Commission on 10 November and I understand the European Foreign Ministers began discussions again on 2 December. Does the Taoiseach's report include a briefing from the European Commission on relations between the EU and Russia? Can he give the House an update on those relations following the resumption of talks on 10 November and 2 December last?

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