Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, and the opportunity to participate in the debate on the recent European Council meeting which I believe re-affirmed the key role the European Union is taking in responding to some of the greatest challenges we face, be they economic, environmental or international.

I congratulate the Taoiseach and the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, on the roles they played at the meeting. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to provide an update on the discussions in Brussels. I note the endorsement by the European Council of the recommendations of the Van Rompuy task force which has been examining issues relating to economic governance at European Union level. The recommendations are an important framework for Europe as its member states respond to the current economic challenges. They will lead to stronger fiscal discipline within the Union and ensure we have a robust crisis management framework. Such a move is good news for all member states.

Ireland, by its own choice, is part of an economic and monetary union which brings great benefits to our country. It has helped us weather previous economic storms and placed us in a better position to respond to developments in international markets. As we all know, however, membership of any grouping not only brings benefits, it also brings responsibilities. As we move to reduce our budget deficit, we do so mindful of the international commitments we have entered into. The preparations for the four-year plan underline the Government's determination to honour those commitments.

I share the view of the Taoiseach that the findings of the task force represent a significant improvement in economic governance and are to be welcomed. While this item may have dominated the headlines, I also note that a number of other very important issues were discussed by European leaders. The transatlantic trade relationship is key to our recovery. Therefore, the forthcoming EU-US summit in Lisbon later this month comes at a critical time in that relationship. I welcome the decision of the European leaders to enter into the summit with clear and coherent messages and with a belief that the Lisbon discussions must produce concrete proposals that will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic.

I note that discussions will focus on three main areas as outlined by the Minister of State, Deputy Roche: the global economy, climate change and energy security. I welcome in particular the decision of the European Union to push for a renewed focus on the Transatlantic Economic Council. It is planned that the council would drive forward an agenda focused on jobs, growth and innovation. We in this country are fortunate to enjoy the fruits of strong transatlantic trade. Many US companies use Ireland and its talented workforce as the headquarters for their European, Middle Eastern and, in some cases, Asian operations. Small, specialised Irish companies continue to make headway in securing key contracts from Manhattan to Silicon Valley. IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, our embassies and consulates deserve full credit for spearheading our economic links. Any move which makes that link even stronger is to be welcomed.

Europe has always taken a lead in protecting the environment. The Council meeting finalised the European Union's position for the forthcoming Cancun conference on climate change. The Union is willing to consider a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol. It is now up to others to follow Europe's lead. The Council meeting was used to prepare the EU position for the G20 summit later this month in Seoul. While Ireland is not a member of the G20, the attendance of President Van Rompuy and Commission President Barroso gives us a useful window through which to monitor discussions at the summit and an opportunity to influence proposals. At a time of international challenges, it is clear the EU continues to ensure that Ireland and its partners are in the best possible position to meet them head on. I welcome the Council's focus on these most pressing of issues.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, for his report to the Seanad and for always keeping us up to date concerning European affairs and issues relating to our links with Europe. If we are ever to discuss reform of the Seanad, this is the road to take. The Seanad could not only play a considerable role in keeping up to date on European issues, but in creating a link between our MEPs and the Chamber where discussions in the European Council and the European Parliament are concerned. Seanad reform should be moving in this direction. I appreciate that the Minister of State has always used the Seanad to get his message across in terms of European affairs and it should be acknowledged in the Chamber.