Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I wish the Minister of State well in the task that lies ahead. While it is a great privilege to take part in this debate, I am disappointed that we are engaged in a debate that will only last 95 minutes and which only allows five minutes to each spokesperson. The Minister of State attracted considerable praise and commendation last year for her work organising a Europe day that was far more effective and engaging, as it included having a Commissioner and Members of the European Parliament here, which made Europe day far more meaningful. It is a pity at a time we all admit Europe is central to the political and personal discourse of the Irish people, that is not what we are having today.

It is impossible to talk about next year's Presidency of the Union without addressing the urgent issues facing Europe today. The economic crisis facing the members of the Union is so deep that it will certainly not be over by next January. In fact, it is highly likely that charting a way out of the crisis will remain the dominant issue on the agenda for some considerable time. Fianna Fáil has argued consistently since early last year that Ireland needed to actively push growth measures on the agenda of the Union. Unfortunately, the only initiative which was taken in the Government's first year was to sign letters drafted by other countries which asked for the faster implementation of measures already agreed. If one looks at the Taoiseach's statements after Council meetings, one finds a pattern of exaggerating agreements which consistently ignored the need for action. Ireland did not table a single growth or employment creating measure during the negotiation of the stability treaty. The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste did not arrange the tour of capitals of the type normally expected, but why they have taken this hands-off approach remains unclear.

Thankfully, the Government has finally indicated that it supports the growing consensus throughout the Union for the more ambitious measures needed now. On 23 May there will be a chance for the Taoiseach to support Mr. Hollande's agenda for urgent action on growth, including changes to the European treaties. Ireland should specifically call for action on three key areas: agreement to a formal negotiation on the role and mandate of the ECB; a major increase in funding for the European Investment Bank, which would be concentrated onemployment-intensive projects in states with high unemployment; and an increase in Structural Funds for regions with high unemployment, to include both an overall increase and a reprioritisation of funding between countries. As my party has laid out in great detail, a range of other important changes is required but these are ones that should be tackled in the next few months. If leaders want to show they are serious they will do so. These are measures that can help growth and, at the same time, restore the confidence which states need in order to raise money to fund their public services. Ireland has held the Presidency of the Council at very sensitive times in the past so next year does not present a unique challenge. Time and again, Ireland has proven to be among the most competent and effective holders of the Council Presidency, and I expect no less from the Minister of State and her colleagues. The 2004 Presidency remains one of the most successful in the history of the European Union. During the first six months of 2004 Ireland brought to a conclusion a series of negotiations which most commentators thought were doomed. On top of negotiating a complex treaty, dealing with a new budget and agreeing a new Commission, Ireland ensured that the largest enlargement in the EU's history was concluded flawlessly.

One of the most disappointing parts of this Government's approach to European issues has been the way in which it has brought a partisan approach to a previously bipartisan area. Until forced by circumstances there was no effort to respect the tradition of positive consultation with other pro-Europe parties in this country. Also ignored were constructive warnings about rushing the referendum. For most of last year, the primary effort was to talk down Ireland's status so that the Government could claim to have resurrected it overnight. Ireland's last Presidency shows up this petty approach for what it is. The fact that every state in Europe agreed to nominate Ireland to chair the OSCE is further proof that our diplomatic standing has always remained high, in terms of both our administrative and political activities.

In terms of the ministerial councils, our Ministers will be expected to play a leading role. I have no doubt that we will carry out this Presidency with great professionalism and will move the agenda forward in a number of important areas, the biggest reason being our excellent diplomatic corps and the preparations which have been under way for the last few years. In terms of the sectoral councils, we believe that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine should use this area as an opportunity to try to change the long-term debate on the Common Agricultural Policy. For too long the debate has been about trying to reduce the CAP in favour of other areas. This zero-sum game has led to a constant insecurity about the CAP, which is a vital support both for rural communities and for ensuring a secure, safe food supply. It should be praised, not attacked. We need to start arguing for an increase in the overall EU budget rather than accept the constant rearguard fight to protect the CAP.

Is the Ceann Comhairle telling me I have little time left?

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