John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I also ask the Leader to make time available for a debate on the report which has emerged from the Convention on the Future of Europe, both yesterday and today. We have had very good discussion here in the Seanad with the members of the convention, and in that context and the context of the work of the National Forum on Europe and the Joint Committee on European Affairs, it is important for the House to discuss this. There are issues, particularly with regard to the institutions, representation of Commissioners and whether the presidency of the Council should be a permanent position or at least held for a five year period rather than rotated, as at present. These are some of the aspects to which we should give considerable attention, particularly since it is a draft. We should give our views in support of the work being done by the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, whom I commend. Ultimately, this issue will be decided by an Intergovernmental Conference.

I support Senator O'Toole's comments about the euro and its appreciation against the dollar. Many of these aspects can be addressed in the debate on Sustaining Progress. Ultimately, competitiveness will decide whether we can keep our heads up in a trading sense concerning our exports to both the sterling and the US dollar areas. I am sure the Tánaiste would be quite happy to debate the competitiveness issue with us at some future date.