Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

An issue of concern to Fine Gael in recent weeks has been the internal political situation within the Czech Republic. While the Taoiseach did not allude to it, I believe he has outlined how it would not have an impact on the operation of the EU and the Czech Presidency in the months ahead. Perhaps the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Roche, might respond to or deal with this issue during the question and answer session because it will be important that the guarantees we have sought are put in place.

It also is important to be aware that we do not want complacency to set in with regard to the second Lisbon treaty referendum. I acknowledge the opinion polls show overwhelming support for the treaty at present as there is more time to consider the issue, even though no campaign is under way. People must familiarise themselves to a greater extent with the detail of what it actually involves and in addition, economic circumstances have changed in a manner that has concentrated minds. However, Members cannot become complacent and nor should they assume that the next campaign will be fought on the same grounds as was the last one. Members must anticipate and prepare for this because those who state they are pro-Europe but anti-Lisbon are opportunistic and do not know whether they are pro-Europe. I strongly believe they are disingenuous, will move the goalposts and that the arguments the next time will be completely different. Members must anticipate this and, most importantly, rather than getting bogged down in its detail, we must set out in broad narrative terms what the Lisbon treaty is about and how it benefits Ireland, particularly in respect of the economic difficulties we have encountered recently.

Deputy Kenny mentioned the G20 summit which is taking place in London starting today. The Joint Committee on European Affairs has discussed the de Larosière report, which contains 31 proposals on how the financial regulation of Europe might be progressed. While I believe it is important to have global regulation, I do not believe this will be possible because of opposition from the United States. Does the Minister of State have a view in this regard? In addition, is there uniformity within the EU regarding the sort of regulation that should be adopted? It was not prescriptive and I could not ascertain this yesterday, but is there uniformity with respect to what should be the bonuses and incentives? Is there a barometer by which all countries in Europe would agree to abide?

Until we joined the EU we did not have sovereignty in this country. Now we are clamouring for protection in a common fiscal approach, which is not dealt with in the Lisbon treaty. The Taoiseach referred to an aid package of €50 billion, increased from €25 billion, for the EU countries that are not part of the eurozone. He also mentioned the €75 billion allocated for other countries. Is that for European countries or is it worldwide? How will we make a contribution to this? Where will the money come from?

I refer to the reconstruction of Gaza, which was dealt with at the Council of Ministers meeting. Europe must take the lead. During the Bush presidencies Europe was content to stay in the background. We should seek to drive this because until we get an agreement to the Palestine-Israel crisis we will have difficulties in the West and the East, if I may put it in simplistic terms.

I acknowledge the presence of Mr. John Ging, who appeared before the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. I compliment him on the excellent image he projects of the UN and this country. We could take our line from him because in Ireland the issue can be divisive. It is not a case of right and wrong; it is a case of rights and wrongs.

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