Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

While the recent changes in the Basque situation were not part of the Council meeting, EU restrictions are in place against several Basque political parties such as Herri Batasuna. Given the change in circumstances, will the Minister of State encourage the EU to examine lifting these restrictions? Such a move may stimulate a more sustainable and secure peace process in the Basque region.

During discussions on the Lisbon treaty, it was agreed to establish a high-powered group to examine future treaty changes. Has this group made any progress, received any remit or made any reports to the European Council?

Will the Minister of State outline the timeline for Ireland's adoption of the Lisbon treaty amendment if no constitutional referendum will be held on it? The Taoiseach earlier said it will be discussed at the next Council meeting and, thereafter, it is up to each member state to deal with it through their individual ratification processes? Will it be ratified here before the end of this Government or be put off for the new Government to ratify? Did the Government give a guarantee to Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, the President of the European Council, that it would not be delayed in Ireland as there would not be a need for a referendum?

Was there any discussion about the proposal floated at the October Council meeting by Germany and France to suspend the voting rights of Euro member states which violate the budgetary principles of the EMU? Is that proposal still being pushed by larger states such as France and Germany? Have we managed to attract allies to the cause of ensuring that this proposal is never progressed?

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