John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

It is important the Seanad takes cognisance of the fact that Ireland holds the Presidency of the European Union and I wish the Taoiseach and the Government well in that onerous task as did the leader of the Opposition in the Dáil. This is the appropriate House in which to debate some of the issues arising from the comprehensive programme for the Irish Presidency. The Seanad is well equipped and should be the forum in which European matters are debated in full. This document gives us much ground for debate. Therefore, I recommend that the Leader arranges an early debate on the future of Europe, enlargement, the Convention and the Irish Presidency.