Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. I take the opportunity to wish him and all his colleagues in government every success with the Presidency. Each of Ireland's presidencies of the European Union has been extremely successful. I do not doubt that this will also be the case with the forthcoming Presidency. As the Tánaiste is aware, a new troika system applies and Cyprus and Lithuania are involved in our preparations. By and large, member states are now involved with the Presidency for the 18 months immediately prior to the six-month period for which they hold it.

I welcome the allocation of additional staff to the Tánaiste's Department. The Permanent Representation in Brussels is a critical nerve centre for the entire operation. Unfortunately, many highly qualified young people do not have jobs. In that context, has provision been made in respect of the recruitment of interns? Experienced people will naturally be given pivotal roles. I presume the responsibilities of some senior officials will be reallocated when they are temporarily transferred to different positions. Perhaps their routine duties could be undertaken by interns with relevant qualifications and ability, thereby allowing them to gain valuable experience.

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