Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Some surprise was expressed throughout Europe over the identities of the new President of the European Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Was the Taoiseach consulted on the two appointments before the meeting on 19 November? When was he first informed about them? What is the anticipated size of the European external action service, which is to be under the control of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Catherine Ashton? How will it be composed?

I wish to turn to the fund of €100 million to be provided for climate change measures. Will the Taoiseach assure the House that the Irish contribution to the fund will not come out of the existing development aid budget but be additional moneys?

The December summit discussed measures relating to employment and support for those losing their jobs. What specific measures were discussed?

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