Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

It is appropriate that we are discussing European Union matters on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The latter was part of the residual hangover from the destruction and mayhem of two world wars. It was that legacy which encouraged the founders of the European project to produce the Treaty of Rome which ultimately gave rise to the European Union. The entire project was based on the objective of securing peace and prosperity for the peoples of Europe and, as part of this, the Union played a transitional role in bringing the totalitarian states behind the Iron Curtain into democracy. It is appropriate that this discussion is taking place as the Union's institutions are finally being reformed according to the provisions of the Lisbon treaty. The Union can now seek to point the way forward on the global stage on such issues as climate change, the elimination of poverty and the challenges facing the world economy.

The ratification of the Lisbon treaty was, from the Irish perspective, the high point of the discussions at the summit. All the other member states breathed a sight of relief that the wayward child had at last come back to the fold. After all our self-analysis, soul-searching, debate and electioneering, the model country of Europe was back in line. The welcome we received was in contrast to the short shrift given to the President of the Czech Republic. Thankfully, all 27 member states are now in a position to ensure the Lisbon treaty is put into force at the beginning of December.

I am pleased that the Swedish Presidency has proposed a special summit. This is necessary given the number of issues down the line, not least the Copenhagen conference and the continuing economic crisis. The Union cannot afford to wait until the December summit to address all these issues and formulate our positions. Previous speakers mentioned the various appointments that must be made and I am glad the Taoiseach said in a forthright fashion that the Government has given full support to the candidacy of John Bruton. That is a welcome statement. I am glad the European socialist group is seeking the important post of EU High Representative for foreign and security policy. While the functions of the President of the European Council are clearly laid down, the High Representative's functions will be important because he or she will be the face of the Union around the world. Those who opposed the Lisbon treaty argued that this was an executive post, the appointee would be the leader of a federalist group and it would be the beginning of the end of the Union as we understand it. It is crucial that the person who is appointed to the post demonstrates that is not the case and that the decisions of the Council and the Union will be reflected by the High Representative abroad as he or she will be a contact point. The first term of office will be important in that respect and perhaps that position needs to be examined closely. I am sure the Taoiseach will do that in his discussions over the next few days with President Barroso.

Deputy Creighton referred to the question of putting our own house in order. The Lisbon treaty was strong about the new role that will be given to national parliaments and, while it will be up to them to take on this role, it will be also up to governments to ensure they are enabled to do so. The Heads of Government at the EU summit should discuss how best the new role can be exercised by parliaments. It is not sufficient to say parliaments have this role and they can get their act together in this regard. Governments will have be involved as well because an upgraded role for parliaments cannot be provided unless additional resources and structures are put in place. That will mean new Standing Orders for the Oireachtas because a new role cannot be taken on by the Dáil or Seanad unless they rearrange the way they conduct their business. We must examine how we conduct our business at home and there will also have to be interaction with the other member states. How best this new role can be managed and most effectively implemented in the interest of strengthening the democratic process, especially in increasing awareness of the Union in the country, requires examination on both a micro and a macro level.

The climate change conference in Copenhagen looms. Climate change is a major issue with €100 billion required annually until 2020 to assist developing countries in mitigating the worst effects of dealing with the reduction in carbon emissions. How will the Union get that amount together? In addition, between €5 billion and €7 billion will be needed annually for the next three years globally to get the initiative off the ground. This will impact on every member state but it will have a more significant impact on Ireland, which is a net importer of energy. We produce little energy while 90% of our energy comes from fossil fuels but we have a significant opportunity to produce alternative sources of energy. Ireland should be at the cutting edge of technology and the Government should set a target of 2050, for example, for Ireland to be a net exporter of energy. It should be ensured that the infrastructure programme for the transmission of energy can link Ireland to mainland Europe in order that we can export as well as import energy.

While it will be an economic weight on Ireland to meet its part of the cost of the climate change initiative, which will be colossal, the Copenhagen conference looks less likely to result in the ambitious projects that were mooted and it will not result in a binding legal agreement, despite all the talk up to recent times. It will be simply a political agreement which raises questions about where we stand within the EU and where we stand in regard to developing countries. We have a long road to travel before we secure the strong regulations required to build on the Kyoto protocol and to produce a legally binding way forward.

Employment and financial regulation were also discussed at the Council. I welcome the commitments regarding the supervisory role the Union is seeking and an enhanced regulatory role both within the Union and globally and that work is under way. I was disappointed by the lack of attention paid to high unemployment levels, which is a major issue facing the Union. While it was acknowledged, the position is deteriorating and there is no indication the measures being taken will significantly increase employment levels. They may improve economies but unemployment remains a major consideration. It is ironic the only reference to this issue was how member states that had adopted stimulus packages could get out of them when economic recovery takes place. They may not increase employment levels. The reference to addressing employment in the review of the Lisbon strategy is not good enough. The Taoiseach needs to be more specific and less aspirational on these matters because the State could be dragged down by high unemployment even when economies begin to prosper again.

The Taoiseach referred to Afghanistan and Pakistan but I am not sure to what extent they were discussed. It is unfortunate that an election held in Afghanistan was declared invalid because of fraud but the attempt to hold a second election resulted in one of the candidates pulling out because his perception was that there could not be a valid election, as fraud would be still an issue. Democracy in the country has not been strengthened. The US President stated yesterday that 28,000 more American troops would be deployed while Prime Minister Brown said he was fully supportive of this move. The situation seems to be descending into an even greater morass. Casualties are increasing and there seems to be no direction in the conflict. The European Union simply says it will contribute to strengthening civilian structures in Afghanistan. That is meaningless. Pakistan is now becoming engulfed and suicide bombing is spreading there. Given the Taliban presence in Pakistan, that country could shortly become involved. There could be conflagration in the entire area. No direction is coming from the European Union although some member states are deeply involved in the conflict. This flashpoint needs to be addressed.

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