The Praesidium, established by the Laeken declaration, also has a representative of the governments and parliaments of the accession countries. The European Parliament has representation there, as does the Commission. In addition, there are observers representing the committee of the regions, the social partners – trades unions and employers – and, as I am sure all the Senators are aware, the chairman is the former French President, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, and the vice chairmen are Giuliano Amato – former Prime Minister of Italy – and Jean Luc Dehaene – former Prime Minister of Belgium. Along with Deputy John Bruton, Ms Gisela Stuart is a member representing national parliamentarians. John Cushnahan, MEP, is an alternate member of the European Parliament delegation.