Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The European Council will review preparations for the upcoming summit, providing a steer on its objectives and the way forward concerning some other key issues. On Europe's neighbourhood policy and expansion in general, I was in the Dáil when we voted on the ambitions of three nations to share in democratic and free membership of the European Union. They were represented by their ambassadors on behalf of the people of their respective countries. Unfortunately, a number of Deputies voted against the motion on that occasion. The ambassadors later told us they were very frustrated that, although they were representing their democratically elected governments, their ambitions were being stifled by those Members, one of whom is present in the House today. It is very unfortunate that this took place in Dáil Éireann at that time.

The Council will revert to the issue of Libya and the broader discussion of the southern neighbourhood. Deputies will be aware that the task of building a democratic future for the people of Libya has been extremely challenging. However, elections took place in June and there is evidence people want to see a secure, stable and democratic Libya. Unfortunately, in recent months we have seen a number of factions fighting for political legitimacy and seeking control of Libya's cities and its infrastructure.

I will be attending the General Affairs Council and the Foreign Affairs Council on St. Patrick's Day next week, the day before the European Council meeting which takes place on Thursday and Friday. Tomorrow it is the Justice and Home Affairs Council. I listened to Deputy Ó Fearghaíl refer to the reputation of this Government but it is frequently reported to me, as Minister of State, that the performance of Ministers in the previous Government, who failed to attend important Council meetings, caused significant damage to our reputation. We are working very hard to undo the significant damage caused by the Fianna Fáil Party which negotiated such an appalling deal for the people. We have successfully managed to renegotiate that in many ways and we will continue to work to do that.

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