Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together. The European Council on 11 March 2011 was called to discuss the unfolding developments in Libya and the southern Mediterranean area. I received the normal briefings prepared by officials for a Taoiseach in advance of a meeting of this kind. At the meeting, there was general discussion around the table, in which I participated, and which, in the normal manner, resulted in some adjustments to the draft conclusions as they were being finalised.

There was also a meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the eurozone on 11 March. I participated in that meeting in a similar fashion. I reported to the House on both meetings on 22 March.

I regularly meet with my EU colleagues, including the Prime Minister of Greece. Our most recent meeting was at the European Council in Brussels at the end of March. Working to defend and advance Ireland's interests is my absolute priority. Building alliances of support is important in that regard. Contacts at all levels, official and political, are frequent and ongoing. While the agenda for the June European Council is not yet finalised, it is expected to discuss economic policy issues, migration and matters relating to Croatia's accession to the Union. It is also expected to endorse a Presidency report on the inclusion of the Roma population in the EU, and to endorse the Council's Conclusions on the launch of the Danube strategy.

In the context of recent events in the southern Mediterranean area, I anticipate that the discussion on migration will include consideration of the current arrangements under the Schengen Agreement for countries that participate and the completion of the common European asylum system. Economic policy issues will include the making of country specific recommendations on foot of proposals made by the Commission. These represent another step in the European semester process and are intended to inform the national budgets that member states will adopt later in 2011.

The appointment of the President of the European Central Bank is also expected to arise. In this regard the ECB and European Parliament are currently being consulted on the appointment of Mr. Mario Draghi to the post.

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