Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, together.

The proposed agenda for the meeting of the European Council on 23 and 24 June is a wide-ranging one, covering economic issues, migration and asylum, and international questions. Economic policy issues will include the making of country specific recommendations on foot of the recent 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 meeting is also expected to endorse an EU 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.

Asylum and migration issues arise in the context of recent events in the southern Mediterranean area. Discussion at the European Council will hopefully give momentum and direction to the ongoing debate, including on reform of the current arrangements under the Schengen Agreement and the principle of solidarity between member states. Depending on developments, the European Council may be asked to sign off on the conclusion of Croatia's negotiation for accession to the Union.

The appointment of the future President of the European Central Bank is also expected to arise, following consultation with the ECB and European Parliament on the suitability of Mr. Mario Draghi for the post.

I look forward to meeting all of my colleagues, including the Prime Minister of Greece and the new Prime Minister of Portugal. As regards bilateral meetings, I met with Prime Minister Cameron in London on 18 April, and in Dublin on 18 May; with President Obama in Dublin on 23 May; and with Prime Minister Orbán of Hungary in Dublin on 1 June. Hungary currently holds the Presidency of the European Union. I will meet in Dublin with the President of the European Council, Mr. Van Rompuy, on 17 June, and with the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Buzek, on 12 July.

I hope to be in a position to travel to China, perhaps later this year, although of course this is a matter for agreement with the Chinese authorities. Other arrangements have not been finalised and remain under review.

See this speech in context