Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As stated earlier in respect of the situation that is developing in the Czech Republic, the European Union is leaving it to the Presidency to ascertain the position and obtain the clarity that is necessary. Member states will then be consulted on and with discuss how that situation will be tackled. This is preferable to different Heads of Government acting as if they were President of the Council and then everyone else getting involved.

It would be better, in the context of the various considerations and the importance of bringing about institutional certainty, to ensure that the ratification of the treaty be completed. The treaty has been ratified in accordance with constitutional traditions in each country. The main issue outstanding relates to the President of the Czech Republic signing off on the treaty. In addition, a small number of Senators from the Czech Parliament have brought a constitutional case to the country's constitutional court. It will be a matter for the court to decide how it is going to dispose of that case and it is not for me to anticipate how, if or when it will do so. At the most recent meeting of Heads of State and Government which I attended, there was evidence of a strong desire on behalf of all states to the effect that this matter be dealt with as expeditiously as possible in a way that will allow for the institutional arrangements to come into play in an orderly manner.

As already stated, this is a matter for the Swedish Presidency to deal with in the first instance. The Swedish Presidency is competent in this regard and will deal with the matter on behalf of the entire Union. We will be informed in due course with regard to how it is proposed to progress this matter. It would not be prudent or correct for me to comment further prior to the discussions that need to take place.

Deputy Kenny also referred to the area of justice and home affairs and the fact that under the Lisbon treaty there will be an enhanced and improved competence at EU level in respect of intensifying co-operation and ensuring that certain matters which simply cannot be dealt with in the context of the nation state. Matters such as international criminal activity, drug trafficking, etc., must be tackled on an ongoing basis. Interpol plays a role in this regard and there is co-operation among police forces. In recent months, significant caches of illegal drugs have been seized by the Garda and by customs officers. Such activity is an important aspect of the fight against crimes of this nature.

Everyone acknowledges that the type of activity to which Deputy Kenny refers is pernicious in nature and that it destroys the lives of the many people who suffer from addiction. The need for our judicial and policing authorities to co-operate with those of like-minded states in trying to quell the problem is an ongoing priority. It is an issue to which I can refer when I report on the outcome of the referendum campaign here.

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