Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the Taoiseach on his role as President of the EU for the past six months, which is coming to an end this week. It included welcoming the accession countries on 1 May and bringing the draft treaty to a grand finale. I was proud of the role played by the Taoiseach, backup staff, including senior civil servants and the gardaí, during the EU-US summit last weekend. It was a delightful scene. I was proud to be Irish and to have the Taoiseach leading us, which was welcomed by everyone.

In regard to a debate on the Traveller issue, I can speak at length on this matter because I was in the thick of it three years ago as a member of South Dublin County Council. I am very aware of the rights and responsibilities on both sides. I would welcome a debate on the issue regardless of whether it takes place prior to the summer recess. It is important to have a debate on the issue to differentiate between the good type of Travellers and the blackguards who have been causing problems in recent weeks. It would be timely to have a debate prior to the summer recess because these groups can again take over in various parts of the country.