Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together.

As I will make a statement to the House following parliamentary questions, I will confine myself to a few brief remarks. The proposed agenda for this week's European Council meeting is a wide-ranging one covering economic issues, migration, asylum and international questions. In the area of economic policy, the meeting marks the conclusion of the first European semester and will include endorsing country-specific recommendations on foot of recent proposals made by the Commission. This is in light of the commitments made by member states in their national reform and stability and convergence programmes. The Council will also take stock of progress on all other strands of the comprehensive economic package it adopted in March.

There will be a review of progress in implementing asylum and migration policies and issues raised by recent developments in the southern Mediterranean. There will also be a review of progress in negotiations on Croatia's accession to the European Union. The Council is expected to note the outcome of work on the inclusion of the Roma population in the EU and on the launch of a strategy for the Danube region. The Council will also be called on to decide on the appointment of a new President of the European Central Bank.

I have not spoken by telephone with President Sarkozy. However, I met him at the European Council meetings in Brussels on 11 and 24-25 March. There has also been regular contact between our Administrations at official and diplomatic levels. I expect to see President Sarkozy again this week. Arrangements beyond that have not been finalised.

The principle of an interest rate reduction has already been agreed in respect of EU funds being drawn down under our EU-IMF programme of financial support. Work on this issue by finance Ministers is under way and I remain hopeful of a satisfactory outcome. Our position is that the interest rate should be priced to support recovery and to facilitate a return to markets. We will continue to take every appropriate opportunity to press this case.

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