Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I welcome and appreciate Deputies' contributions to this debate, although I do not share some of their sentiments. As our national Parliament, the Houses of the Oireachtas are the right and proper place for an informed and measured debate on our engagement with our partners and neighbours in Europe. As there will be ample opportunity later today and during the coming period to address in detail the issue of the new intergovernmental treaty and the forthcoming referendum, I will confine myself in these remarks to the European Council meeting itself and to the significant issues it will address during the next two days.

This week's meeting of European leaders will address economic policy first and foremost. As a result of some recent positive developments, including the agreement on the second package for Greece, it will be the first such meeting for a considerable time to he held against a backdrop of calm. This is most encouraging. As I have often stated, Ireland's recovery depends on a return to stability and confidence. Europe is not out of the woods yet and important decisions remain to be taken, including on the strength of our firewalls. Collectively, however, we are on the right track.

The spring European Council meeting is the traditional opportunity for leaders to take stock of where we are in terms of economic policy in Europe. I am satisfied that, due to the proactive steps taken by the Government in concert with like-minded partners, we have ensured that this week's engagement will be framed in a balanced and realistic manner. We have consistently highlighted that the solution to the economic and financial crisis cannot be delivered by fiscal consolidation alone. We have been at the forefront of the member states that have clearly and consistently put the case that, in order to move beyond crisis, Europe must also focus on concrete measures to support a return to sustainable job creation and economic growth. Without job-creating growth, the challenge of getting back on track will be more difficult. It is the lever that will help us lift the substantial burdens we face. As has been the case at home in Ireland, these two elements must happen side by side in Europe.

We are meeting the commitments of our programme on time and in full, which is recognised and acknowledged internationally, including by the financial markets. The improved perception of Ireland, which we have been working hard for the past 12 months to develop, is not some kind of vanity project or beauty contest entered into for its own sake. International reputation matters. As a small, open economy dependent on trade, improved sentiment towards Ireland delivers real results in terms of restoring investor confidence, which reduces the cost of our borrowing, and attracting inward investment, which delivers growth and jobs to cities, towns and villages.

This week's meeting of the European Council will also agree on the EU's approach to a number of forthcoming international summit meetings. EU priorities will be agreed for the forthcoming G8 and G20 summits taking place in May and June, respectively. It is to be welcomed that a common EU approach is agreed for these meetings where Ireland is not a direct participant. Key principles will also be agreed for the EU's preparation for the UN Rio +20 conference on sustainable development, which will be held in mid-June.

In the foreign policy sphere, as well as considering developments in the EU's southern neighbourhood 12 months after the Arab Spring, the European Council will also address the developing situation in Syria. Last Friday, I attended the initial meeting of the Friends of Syria group in Tunis. I was struck by the broad based support within the international community for a resolution to this pressing situation.

This is not a case of Europe or the west trying to dictate the outcome. I salute the leadership being shown by the Arab League and look forward to strong European Council conclusions which reflect the urgency and gravity of the humanitarian crisis that President Assad's regime has inflicted on its own people and which will add to the growing international political and economic pressure. Building on the friends of Syrian people meeting, the Council will call for an end to the violence, access to humanitarian aid and the start of a peaceful and inclusive transition.

On behalf of the Government I welcome the agreement reached yesterday at the General Affairs Council to recommend that the European Council grant candidate status to Serbia. Ireland fully supports this decision and we look forward to its confirmation by the European Council on Friday. I also look forward to the outcome of this week's meeting of the Council in respect of the range of issues it will consider. This House will, of course, have an opportunity to debate these issues once the meeting has concluded.

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