Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Does the Taoiseach expect that we will have sight of the text of the proposed amendment to the EU treaties for the purpose of establishing a permanent mechanism to safeguard the financial stability of the euro area with a view to having a discussion in the Dáil? He is indicating a date in March for a return to the issue. Will we have a democratic opportunity before the conclusion of this Dáil to address the text in any way in this House?

I noted from the Taoiseach's remarks at the conclusion of the Council meeting that there was no requirement to put the proposed changes which are proposed to proceed by the simplified revision procedure to the electorate in a referendum? Is that the Taoiseach's understanding of the situation? Has he sought appropriate legal advice to confirm that is the case and that a referendum is not required in this country? I would prefer that we would have the opportunity for democratic scrutiny in all situations such as this. Could the Taoiseach provide clarity? What are the implications of the proposed changes for this country? Have we seen them already in any outworking in terms of the IMF-EU deal or are there further implications in terms of the changes envisaged in terms of this country?

I note that it is reported that the European Commission intends to propose a revision of the working time directive. What is the Taoiseach's position on that? With the reduction in the minimum wage I suppose he will be open to further changes in a similar vein. Will the Taoiseach give an indication of his position? What is the Government's intended position on any review of the working time directive? Either directly in the course of the council meeting or on the fringes has any consideration been given to the important and welcome announcement by ETA in the Basque Country? It has declared a permanent, general and verifiable ceasefire. Was this addressed at all? Has the Government taken up the issue with its EU counterparts to encourage a positive Spanish and French response to the new situation, especially given Ireland's experience of a successful peace process leading to a political process and what we have today? Perhaps we are doing so already, but should we not press for a peace process to emerge in the Basque Country, offering the opportunity for a real and permanent settlement between the Basque Country and the Spanish State?

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