Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

If it is, as described by Proinsias de Rossa, MEP, a change involving minor surgery, people cannot claim that they told us all along that the treaty could be changed after we signed off on it and that our Constitution could be impacted without reference to the people. I recommend that the Minister of State nail this issue early.

I have two questions on the Seoul summit. Regarding the conclusions to the effect that the Union was concerned about exchange rates aimed at gaining short-term competitive advantages, what specifically have we done or are we going to do to address the artificial weakness of the Chinese currency? Has Europe taken a view on this matter or have we left the matter to the Americans? Regarding trade, I would welcome an observation or at least a comment from the Minister of State regarding my dealings with sub-Saharan African countries that believe pressure is being put on them for EPAs before the end of this year. Was this matter discussed at the General Affairs Council or on the margins of the full Council?

In terms of climate change, I am pessimistic regarding the Cancun climate change conference, as was probably clear from my observations. What will this House do regarding the conference? We have an all-party report that incorporates a Bill. The Chairman of that committee, Deputy Barrett, is present and the rapporteur on the report and the drafter of the Bill was Deputy McManus. Will we go armed with our own concrete proposals and legislative measures having at least been debated in this House or will we only be discussing the proposals and not acting on them?

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