Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As this was the Taoiseach's first European Council meeting, it was an opportunity for him to build up new friendships and establish coalitions and alliances on his own part and on behalf of the country. I note he has spoken to most EU leaders since his election. In his discussions with them, has he given any consideration to the future of Europe? The White Paper on the Future of Europe was published on 1 March by the European Commission outlining several scenarios for how Europe might develop in the coming years: one, carrying on; two, nothing but the Single Market; three, those who want more do more; four, doing less more efficiently; and five, doing much more together. These are big issues for the Irish people. I am sure the Taoiseach will be able to establish how other EU leaders feel about these issues in the coming months. Ireland needs to be at the forefront of this debate as a country and the citizens need to be consulted about this as well. The European Commission has said it is going to organise a series of debates and publish reflection papers. The Government needs to do a lot to engage the citizens on this in order that the Taoiseach knows what the people of Ireland want and can convey that to the other EU leaders as these discussions and negotiations take place.

I note that the European Council dealt with the relocation of the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority and that the decision will be taken by the autumn of 2017. How do Ireland's bids stand? Will they be successful?

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