Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

The Taoiseach stated to the House this morning that the Council agreed that "elements of the strategy set out in the statement will be further developed in the coming months as a comprehensive response to any challenges, together with the new arrangements for economic governance". He went on to say that he does not "intend to go into detail on the work now being undertaken on foot of the mandate given by the European Council in December". I am somewhat concerned at the democratic deficit implicit in this.

The Taoiseach indicated that he did this for fear of the markets overreacting. We need to know about discussions concerning convergence or economic governance matters. Otherwise, it only feeds into the cynicism referred to earlier by the Minister of State. Where there is not full transparency, there is a belief in conspiracy. A mechanism has to be found to address this, whether it is by briefing principals in the House or through the committee system. We need to move to the European norm where such matters are debated properly in an accountable parliament.

Many are interested in the role played by France in Côte d'Ivoire since its independence. A democratic presidential election was held there recently but the elected candidate has not been able to take office. International support has been given to the candidate but the former president's supporters are rallying support abroad while armed militia are active in the country. What contacts has the Union had on this matter with the various parties and organisations, particularly ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West Africa States, which has mandated the intervention of troops in the country?

The Taoiseach spoke about Montenegro's candidacy for EU membership having been accepted. I am concerned we are allowing countries go on the candidate list for a long time without any conclusion, such as in the case of Turkey. There needs to be a fuller debate about what is European and the European spirit being the defining characteristic of membership. We may need to be more precise than Mr. Robert Schuman was on this matter. What is the status of the integration of the Balkan states such as Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro? Otherwise, if their membership is not fulfilled or is delayed, it only causes frustration for those who aspire to Europe.

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