Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I am genuinely taken aback by the Taoiseach's responses here and over some time in regard to this issue. According to his reply, the Taoiseach will meet Mr. Van Rompuy and the President of the European Parliament and, potentially, a political trade mission to China will take place towards the end of the year.

I read during the week of clear annoyance in President Sarkozy's office about the briefing done by the Taoiseach's staff following the 11 March summit. A relatively common exchange was hyped up to make the Taoiseach look like the new tough guy in town. Those kinds of briefings are unhelpful. The French said they are waiting for overtures or for someone to say we want to meet. Why has the Taoiseach not met other European leaders who are critical on a substantive bilateral basis?

I called in the ambassadors in my time the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. That is not something dramatic or transformative; it is normal in terms of communicating to one's ambassadors the messages they are to articulate on behalf of Ireland in their respective countries. That is no big deal.

The Taoiseach is responsible for the commitments he made and he hyped this up. He said it was the biggest issue facing the incoming Government. If that is the case, I find it extraordinary that he has not met the key European leaders who have an impact on ensuring that the agreement arrived at by Heads of State on 11 March is delivered. The Taoiseach accepted what was on the table by the outgoing Government and ran with it. All the other European Heads of State agreed at the time that there should be better and more sustainable terms. For some reason, the Taoiseach has not engaged in a more proactive diplomatic initiative with those who are blocking it. The Taoiseach should get on an aeroplane and travel to meet them.

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