Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Independent of Commissioner Spidla's views, which we welcome, we are involved in trying to work with social partners in devising a scheme helpful to viable but vulnerable businesses. We shall see how that can be developed and discussion is ongoing. We are trying to make some progress in the area. With regard to increased training places, we are providing an increased allocation of funding to the skills training area, which is providing tens of thousands of extra places in our training authorities' placement schemes and other skills programmes which have been devised to help those who have unfortunately lost their jobs recently. That is an ongoing challenge of which we must be aware at all times. We must continue to work with those involved in this area and assist as much as we can.

Regarding engagements with our EU partners concerning the requirements we have set for the Lisbon treaty, the decisions of the Heads of Government and State at the European Council and our guarantees will be legally binding and constitute an international agreement lodged with the United Nations. It will take the effect of the date of entry into force of the Lisbon treaty, if the second referendum is successful. The instrument of ratification by Ireland will be lodged with the Italian Government and will refer to both the treaty and that decision. It is also agreed that we would get legally binding guarantees at the European Council. This is not disputed by anyone and the proposed decision is part of this. We will be seeking to ensure further legal effect is given to it in due course.

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