Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The first half of that meeting's agenda was taken up with jobs and the growth of small and medium enterprises and that will continue.

The decision taken by the politicians in Greece and the ECOFIN Ministers demonstrates that although the situation is challenging Greece continues to be a worthy and important part of the European Union, which is as we want it.

Regarding Deputy Adams's final question, this is not a formal EU treaty but one made by 25 countries that have agreed a wording. The question being asked of the Attorney General is in respect of competencies, if there is a requirement in that regard and if there is a change in competency that warrants a change in our Constitution. The political process does not answer that because it requires the formal legal advice of the Attorney General. In that regard, the situation is very different to the one I raised with the Deputy about the A5, which I strongly support and made that decision at Government level. In that case it was not necessary to change our Constitution and have a referendum. In regard to European competencies, if it is necessary to change our Constitution there must be a referendum and that is why the Attorney General has been asked for her advice. Government will respond to that when it emerges. I do not expect it will be long before she gives that advice and when she does we will inform the House and the country.

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