Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Coffey's comments in favour of a university for the south east. I have called for such a debate before now, so I hope the Minister will attend the House to get all these issues aired. The south east is the only region in the country that does not have a university and the young people there deserve one.

I welcome last week's remarks by the president of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, Mr. Paul Rellis, who called for a "Yes" vote on the EU reform treaty. His comment that inward investment might be affected by a "No" vote is noteworthy. It should be highlighted that 100,000 people are employed by American companies in this country.

I ask the Leader for an update on the invitation we extended to the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering, to address the House. It would be a great opportunity to exchange views on the treaty.