Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In answer to the Deputy's first question, I was making a point in reply to Deputy Kenny that, perhaps, it might be appropriate if senior officials, or a Commissioner even, might come to Dublin to discuss matters with Opposition leaders at a political level. That might be helpful. Contact with the Commission by national authorities relates to forecasting regarding the ongoing technical and economic exercise. I am not trying to categorise this initiative as a technical exercise per se, but rather making a distinction between discussions at the political level and the normal interaction between Departments of Finance and all member states as well as Directorates General, such as that of Commissioner Rehn.

In this particular case, we, and the Commission and the eurozone group, have indicated that a four-year plan would be helpful in these circumstances and we are preparing it on that basis. Clearly, we want to ensure that the basis of support for that is as broad as we can obtain. It has always been the case that the European Commissioner is kept informed. That is where this is at now.

Regarding the European Council, the Irish issue was not raised by anyone or on the agenda. It was not raised under "any other business" or anything else. The reason is that we had indicated we were preparing a four-year plan and proceeding with it. As the Deputy knows, there are talks with Finance Ministers as well at the eurozone group level where much of that detailed discussion goes on. It is not unusual, therefore, that it would not be raised at the Council meeting since this is a Government and Ireland is a country that is very anxious to discharge its obligations and provide the necessary detail to assist everyone to see that is the case.

Incidentally, I did not raise any issue with Mr. Trichet in that regard. As the Deputy knows, the Von Rompuy report is still ongoing. The final draft will be with us imminently and we are preparing for the next summit where it will be discussed. A great deal of discussion is taking place about a whole range of issues affecting different countries at the moment, and there are differences of opinion in that regard. The discussion with Mr. Trichet was after a dinner that evening at the wind up of the summit. My recollection is that Mr. Felipe Gonzáles, who was there as a guest, was speaking on behalf of a senior group that was working there in relation to the future governance of the Union. In any event, when it was over, I went to speak to Mr. Trichet and that detailed discussion was taking place.

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