Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, to the House for this interesting discussion. I came into the Chamber for the start of the debate so that I could listen to all the contributions and gauge the differing views of Members on all sides of the House.

I accept that the Lisbon treaty has nothing to do with this debate. However, I take this opportunity to wish the Taoiseach well in his meetings with other European leaders to discuss the report of the Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the European Union. I compliment the Chairman of that sub-committee, Senator Donohoe, on his oversight of this worthwhile exercise.