Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

My point was that it is a matter for both parliaments. Let us not presume that we, the governments, can dictate to parliaments. Congress is conscious of its role as a Legislature independent of the US Executive. Likewise, the European Parliament has increased its status as a legislature, including its co-decision responsibilities with the Council. There is a need for contacts at that level, which we support. For it to be successful at the parliamentary dialogue level, the initiative and enthusiasm to carry it forward must come from both parliaments.

Regarding the broader issue, the relationship between the US and the EU is strategically important. We are satisfied with the quick, warm relationship developed by the new Administration of President Obama and the EU. An effective informal summit was held in Prague. The G20 process involved significant collaboration with EU Heads of Government and the US Presidency prior to the G20 meeting, which focused on the global financial and banking collapse, how to resurrect the global economy and how to develop a coherent set of policies that would lead to a resumption of growth and employment.

The structures exist, such as the Transatlantic Economic Council, the annual summits and the significant series of bilateral meetings between the US and EU member states. In Ireland's case, that meeting occurs in March every year and presents a considerable opportunity for us to engage in a substantive bilateral contact with the US Administration at the highest level.

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