Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I believe Herman Van Rompuy will do a good job as President of the European Council. He strikes me as a person with common sense and a practical politics which will pay dividends in his new role. I wish Baroness Catherine Ashton the best of luck as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs. She had a difficult time during the hearings but her appointment has now been approved. The withdrawal of the Bulgarian candidate for Commissioner, Rumiana Jeleva, will probably cause a delay for the spring Council and the European Parliament will have a role play in finalising the Commission.

I wish Mrs. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn the best of luck as Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science. Her €50 billion budget for research and innovation will be of particular importance for this country. While Commissioners do not strictly act in national interests, a real opportunity exists for our small country to achieve world leadership in a number of niches. We will see immense changes globally over the next ten years as the internet, robotics and biotechnology impact on the way we do business. We will have to ride that wave before it hits our shores.

I am sure the Minister for Foreign Affairs is relieved that he no longer has to attend every Council meeting. Mr. Van Rompuy sees the economy as the big issue for his Presidency and wants to double the EU's growth rate from 1% to 2%. He also regards climate change and energy as priorities. Irrespective of our political differences, we clearly see opportunities for this country. Things are becoming ropy in the United States and Mr. Cameron's intention to be the next UK Prime Minister will mean a change of emphasis in that country.

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