Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The IMF made a statement during the week on meeting its deadlines. The subtext was that austerity is not working throughout Europe. Was there any sense of this growing reality among the European leaders at the Council meeting and were there discussions on the social cost of austerity?

The Taoiseach mentioned a meeting on Syria that took place in Marrakesh, attended by the Minister of State, Deputy Joe Costello, who suggested extending an invitation to the Syrian opposition coalition. Is there any indication the coalition will accept that invitation? Prior to the meeting there was discussion of the situation in Palestine, in particular in regard to the proposed 3,000 new settlements. Was there any discussion or agreement on that matter?

The British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has suggested Britain is considering leaving the European Union and a statement is due in January in this regard. Did this matter come up at any of the side meetings? There would be a negative impact on Ireland, especially in the Border region, given the difficulties involved.

Deputy Adams asked the Taoiseach to raise the de Silva report on the killing of Pat Finucane. Did that issue arise as part of the discussions? Was it raised with the British Prime Minister?

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