John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will try my best, although some of them are beyond my competence. In regard to the points made by Deputy Darragh O'Brien on circulating the memorandum, I have no problem in doing that. I will ask my private secretary to circulate it to the committee membership because it is very involved. Given all of us are practising politicians, the minutiae of how elections take place, as well as being fascinating, are important and could have profound consequences.

On the question of the status of the cold storage MEPs, as we called them on Second Stage - the two in Ireland South and Dublin - that is ultimately a matter for decision by the European Parliament. We expect that, in advance of the European elections, their status will be spelled out because this is an issue in 14 member states, not just in Ireland. At the moment, no such agreement or provision has been made.

It would be better if I had the final decision. I am led to believe, however, by those involved in some of these discussions at European level that we will have that position spelt out in advance of the elections to the European Parliament. Deputy O’Brien asked me how long the delay will be.

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