Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The EU budget was the centrepiece of the summit and the entire emphasis of the debate was on cutting it even further. Does the Minister of State agree that the existing budget which is 1% of the total national income of member states is particularly and uniquely inadequate in dealing with the worst existential crisis ever to hit the eurozone? Despite all references to a pan-European stimulus, etc., the discussions taking place between the leaders of EU member states are quite depressing because not even a gesture is being made towards resolving the crisis we are experiencing. I do not see how a reduction in the European Union's budget can lead to any stimulus for growth and job creation. Does the Minister of State accept my basic proposition that the trend of the negotiations is negative and taking us in the wrong direction in dealing with the crisis?

Will the Minister of State indicate that the Government is clear on the point that small farmers and rural communities must be protected in the context of the Common Agricultural Policy? Will she outline whether Ireland has built up alliances beyond France? It is clear that President Hollande is the key person in protecting and saving the Common Agricultural Policy. Why did the Taoiseach not participate in the multilateral and bilateral budget initiatives involving different countries which took place during the past 12 months?

In the context of the banking union, will the Minister of State indicate whether treaty change will be required? Should we not be preparing the public for the possibility of a further referendum being held in order to facilitate the establishment of a banking union? Will the Minister of State clarify the position on this matter?

On the nominee to the executive board of the European Central Bank, ECB, does the Minister of State agree that the Government got it wrong in supporting Mr. Mersch and should instead have agreed with the European Parliament in this matter? Does she agree that it is disgraceful that a woman has never served on the executive board of the ECB and that there will not be a woman on it for the next three years at least? Surely Ireland could have made a stand in this matter. Will the Minister of State indicate why it did not object to the nominee and support the European Parliament in the context of the gender issue relating to the executive board of the ECB?

Is the Minister of State in a position to confirm that a sale of equity or shares in AIB and Bank of Ireland to the ESM is no longer on the agenda?

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