Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

A question about the March Council meeting has nothing to do with the June meeting, and those should not be grouped with questions about future meetings. The Taoiseach has taken to ignoring questions when more than one is asked so I want to concentrate on No. 2, which relates to the Council meeting of 11 March. The communiqué from 11 March is very important because it sets out the as yet unfulfilled commitment to have more sustainable terms for loans to Ireland and others. Did the Taoiseach table any amendments to that communiqué or did he accept the version available to him when he took office?

For over two and half months there have been constant leaks about this agreement being implemented and yesterday in the House the Taoiseach stated that "we have negotiated down the cost of the deal". We should have elaboration on that because I am not clear on whether the deal has been negotiated in terms of cost at all. A shared urgency was evident on 11 March but to where has that disappeared?

Question No. 4 relates to the next European Council meeting. Does the Taoiseach agree there is now a grave risk that the growing sense of drift and a lack of leadership will bring a new crisis upon us very soon? That is the atmosphere in which comments from an Irish Minister can get carried in reports throughout the world and can have a damaging impact on markets and their perception of Ireland. Will the Taoiseach assure us that our basic position for this Council will be that the delay must stop and the promise of more sustainable support, given at the 11 March Council meeting, can be delivered? Otherwise the issue may get out of control.

I am surprised at the Taoiseach's revelation today that he does not intend to raise these issues at the Council meeting. We have a role in setting the agenda and every member state can contribute to the setting of an agenda for a Council meeting.

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