Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Nobody is getting short shrift. If the Deputy wants to keep his little niggle going with the Green Party, that is his business. I have outlined the overall position.

In regard to the second question, it is a matter for the committees of this House to invite who they wish to their meetings and to issue whatever reports they wish. In the context of discussions on the Middle East, which is an ongoing part of the agenda of the General Affairs Council, I am sure the Minister will make reference, where it is merited, to the views of the parliamentary committee on any of these matters. Clearly, however, the overall Government position is to uphold international humanitarian law at all times, recognising that certain issues must be adhered to and where certain issues arise, they must be dealt with.

As I have said, the question of the issuing of sanctions is always open for discussion. One must consider the pros and cons and whether such an approach would improve or disimprove the situation and whether it would influence the situation. The Minister for Foreign Affairs will be guided by those discussions with colleagues and will offer a view if such an item ever comes on the agenda. A parliamentary question to the Minister would provide the Deputy with the most up-to-date and accurate position on this matter.

The third issue raised by the Deputy relates to the employment summit. The outcome of the discussions in this regard is that the social partners would be met by the troika, comprising the current Presidency and the next two member states to assume the Presidency, to discuss their views on these matters.

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