Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

Did the Taoiseach brief his colleagues on the updated situation regarding the Lisbon treaty? The treaty issue seems to have gotten fairly short shrift. Did the Taoiseach go into the matter in detail? Is there any information he provided for them that he can usefully provide to us here? Can he give us some indication as to who is drafting the texts of the legal guarantees? Is it being done by the Department of Foreign Affairs or the European Commission? Is it being done in a consultative capacity?

When does the Taoiseach intend to consult with the Opposition on the issue? Can he tell us whether there is agreement in Cabinet regarding the guarantees on neutrality and defence? The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley has already stated publicly that he wants the European Defence Agency excluded from any Irish agreement. It is time the issue was clarified for us so we know where exactly the Government stands.

I agree with Deputy Timmins. The Referendum Commission published its report. It was extremely critical of the short period of time it had to inform the Irish people and we know that was a major problem with the last Lisbon treaty referendum. The commission was seeking five months, well in excess of the three months available at the present time. Before that, we must have enabling legislation. Perhaps the Taoiseach could clarify that, as well as when he will bring the Opposition parties into his confidence on these issues.

The defence issue raises many complex questions that have already given rise to disagreement within our own party. The socio-ethical issues could also be quite complex. In view of this, there can be no question of a fait accompli that might take place in a legal drafting vacuum, where a package can be presented in June.

Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the United Nations report which was published a number of days ago called for an international investigation into the allegations of the abuses of human rights. The Joint Committee on European Affairs has already set in place, through a motion, a process whereby the main players, particularly those mentioned in the United Nations report, would come attend the committee and give their views on their perception of whether there were violations of human rights and international law.

Will the Taoiseach be prepared to take the results of those proceedings, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to a European summit meeting and raise them in the context of what action is required to ensure Israel remains a bona fide member? At the present time it has preferential trading agreements regarding the Euromed trading agreement. There must be some sanction so that international law is not flouted, if that is the finding of the committee's deliberations.

The employment summit which has been agreed in Prague by the Czech Republic now appears to have been downgraded by Britain and France. The intention now seems to be that instead of all of the heads of states turning up at such a summit, which would underline the importance of stimulating and highlighting the issue of employment in the European Union itself, the European heads of state will not attend but rather only the troika of states involved at the present time in the Presidency will be present. Can the Taoiseach indicate whether he will attend?

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