Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is only fair to reflect on the clear decision given by the people in respect of the Lisbon treaty. In essence, the result represents the removal of a stone from the shoe and will allow us to concentrate on other matters.

The difficulty being caused by President Klaus of the Czech Republic must be a cause of serious concern. I met Mr. David Cameron, MP, in his office at Westminster last year and he clearly indicated that, assuming he wins the forthcoming British general election, it would be his intention to hold a referendum on the Lisbon treaty if it has not been fully ratified. In light of the nature of the euroscepticism that exists in Britain, it is probable that there would be a "No" vote in any such referendum and that the good work done in respect of the Lisbon treaty during the past ten years would be negated.

President Klaus is seeking an opt-out in respect of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which will become legally binding once the treaty is signed off on. This has been referred to as an artificial obstacle and I do not in any way wish to interfere or make comments about the Czech Republic and the way it and its President do their business. President Klaus did not so refrain when he visited Ireland.

Has the Taoiseach raised this matter with President of the European Commission, Mr. Barroso, particularly in view of the fact that in the recent past Ireland was the focus of the attention of the remainder of the 500 million people who live in the EU? As Head of Government, the Taoiseach must discuss this issue with his counterparts. The Lisbon treaty is critical to the Union in terms of its ability to measure up to meeting the global challenges of climate change, immigration, employment creation, food security, etc. The years dedicated to achieving agreement will be set at nought if this matter cannot be dealt with by the end of the year. I hope the Taoiseach will raise the issue with his counterparts in Europe.

When campaigning in respect of the recent referendum on the Lisbon treaty, I was struck by the awareness of people throughout the country in respect of the competency that will be given to the Union with regard to dealing with drugs and the transport and distribution thereof across the member states. The saddest event I witnessed during the entire campaign occurred near the gates of Dublin Castle following the declaration of the official result. Some 100 metres up the street I saw a drug pusher selling drugs to a young girl, who was in a terrible condition, at the back of a van. I reported what I had seen to the gardaí who were on duty outside Dublin Castle.

I hope the Taoiseach will highlight this issue. The question of drugs and the destruction of an entire generation of young people is particularly relevant to Ireland. As an island nation - and despite the good work of Garda drugs units - Ireland does not have the capacity to deal as effectively as possible with the menace of drugs on an inter-country basis. I hope the Taoiseach will raise at the meeting of the Council the matter of the Union being given competency to deal with drugs, those who push them and the destruction of young people's lives. From the point of view of social justice, we could certainly major on this issue.

See this speech in context