Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On the first matter, given the nature of the discussions, they are pending an assessment by the Swedish Prime Minister as to what the overall situation might be. These are bilateral and confidential discussions. I can confirm that my position in regard to the Presidency is my public position which I outlined to the Deputy .

In regard to the High Representative position, it remains to be seen what candidates emerge. I understand there was some indication of the possible candidacy of David Miliband, the UK Foreign Secretary, but I understand he has indicated that he is not a candidate. I brought to the Swedish Prime Minister's attention the candidacy of Mr. Rehn from Finland, who is a person I could support if there was sufficient support for him. He has been a very effective Commissioner. We must wait to see the levels of support there. This situation will evolve in the coming days. I wait to hear from the Swedish Presidency for its assessment after it has spoken to everyone.

My meeting with President Barroso was a general discussion. He has made it clear that portfolios are not ascribed to countries, rather to individuals. He is also making it clear that until the High Representative is appointed he is not in a position to pursue the composition of his Commission in any final way until he sees who is to be the High Representative. The difference now is that under the Lisbon treaty provisions the High Representative is also Vice-President of the Commission. Until he has that name before him and endorsed by the European Council, which is a requirement under the Lisbon treaty, he is not in a position to conduct further discussions or come to any conclusions on the composition of the Commission in general.

I have spoken to him about this position. As a result of our second Lisbon treaty referendum decision, one Commissioner per member state is now available to all member states and is a decision to which we ascribe great importance. My discussions with President Barroso were along the lines that we want to work closely with him. He has indicated some of his overall requirements but we must make a decision, taking into account what is best for the country. We have excellent people who have indicated their availability.

On the question of climate change, no internal burden-sharing decisions have been taken within the EU in respect of our contribution to it since we are in the midst of a negotiation ahead of the Copenhagen conference. We have indicated what is the global figure and that the European Union is prepared to pay its fair share. We are waiting to see what others are prepared to do in this regard. No final decisions have yet been taken in the midst of negotiation. On the question of internal burden-sharing, separate from whatever emerges from Copenhagen, a working group has been set up with the European Union in order to finalise the internal burden-sharing arrangements.

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