Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

On this list a range of desired portfolios is given in respect of each nomination from the 22 member states. They include climate, enterprise, budget, economic and monetary affairs and foreign security policy. I accept that the process cannot be concluded until the High Representative, who will probably come from the socialist group, is appointed. In any event, the lists of candidates for that and other positions have been narrowed down to a small number. Serious lobbying is taking place for desired commissionerships. The Government, therefore, should consider carefully where we want to be placed in the commissionership league. It is because of Ireland's approval of the Lisbon treaty that every country will have a Commissioner. From that reason, member states are conscious of the importance of commissionerships to the Irish people. We endorsed a treaty which would give every country a Commissioner.

Last March the Taoiseach launched a review of Ireland-US relations and the establishment of a new Irish-American leadership council. I understand the council has met only once, in October last. When will its next meeting be held? Was there an outcome from the first meeting or did the council simply agree to meet again? Will the Ireland-America Economic Advisory Board, which has been in existence for some time, operate in future?

When the Taoiseach was dealing with the relationships between Ireland and the United States he did a comprehensive review and said it was his intention to appoint new consuls to Atlanta and Houston. Is that process in train and is an announcement pending regarding those consulates? Will it be necessary to acquire residential or office property in those locations?

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