Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

We need to be careful, to echo what Senator Boyle said, as we begin to become more homogenised in terms of the European Union, to protect a certain degree of flexibility. We are very exercised by the report that was in the front page of the newspaper today, stating the French have indicated that they want to consolidate the European tax base. They are entitled to that opinion, but they will be met with significant resistance from Ireland. This is the challenge to which I referred. Within the European Union each member state will place its national interests first. The question I have for Mr. Pöttering relates to this tension between national interests on the one hand and the European ideal and European co-operation on issues such as foreign affairs, on the other. The Senator made an important point that not all countries will look at issues in the same way. I would like to hear some more detail on how Mr. Pöttering imagines that will work. The European Union works best when it works together on such issues as climate change. It is that tension to which I referred.

For pan-European services there is a European market. However, can we look forward to a union where we can have services? For example, if I want my car insured can I go to a German or a French insurer? Is that something Mr. Pöttering sees happening here, and if so how quickly?

It is important for the Irish to remember that it is our duty, on behalf of our country, to vote on the Lisbon treaty. It is unfair of those opposed to the treaty to indicate that it is our responsibility to take on the decision for every European country where the citizens do not get the right to vote. Mr. Pöttering mentioned that each country's method for ratifying the treaty is part of its sovereignty, which is important We need to be careful about this and we will answer the question on the Lisbon treaty for Ireland alone.