Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

No, I was being appropriate in not presuming on agreement until agreement and approval is provided. The Council meeting is the format in which a formal decision will be taken in that respect. In the meantime much preparatory work is being undertaken. We are working with the Presidency, which has had its own difficulties in terms of the Czech Republic's domestic politics. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been in discussion with Mr. Alexandr Vondra from that Government on many occasions and continues to do so. Work at a technical level continues with the legal services people and the Commission. I spoke to President Barroso on the last occasion I attended a Council meeting and I intend in the coming weeks to discuss the matter with Opposition leaders.

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