Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)

I support Senator Bacik's calls for a discussion on a children's rights referendum but we must discuss the supporting legislation that is needed, in particular, the heads of Bills and the policy intent of such a referendum.

I refer to the forthcoming Irish Presidency of the European Union in 2013. Today is the first working day of the Polish Presidency which started on 1 July. It is the first part of what is called a trio presidency programme of Poland, Denmark and Cyprus . Under the Lisbon treaty we now have team presidencies that put forward an 18 month programme, and Ireland will be the first part of the next trio presidency which starts on 1 January 2013. We will be joined with Lithuania and Greece.

That date of 1 January 2013 will also coincide with the 40th anniversary of Ireland's membership of the EU. I raise this matter because the thinking and discussions on the priorities and work programme of Ireland's presidency programme are already under way and I believe this House has a role to play in informing and shaping our role in the EU and our role during the presidency. It is an opportunity for us to rebuild Ireland's reputation both on the European and the world stage. I note that an interdepartmental committee is already established. It met in April and is already examining the priorities.

I ask the Leader to ensure that we play a role in informing the setting of Ireland's priorities during its presidency of the EU. Regarding some of the major issues, when the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, was here we discussed the seven year multi-annual financial framework programme which is due to be finalised at the end of 2012 during the Danish Presidency. It is far more likely, however, and all the indications are that it will be left to Ireland to finalise that extremely important funding programme. We also have the Horizon 2020, which is the big research programme due to start in 2014. Of particular importance to Ireland is the Common Agriculture Policy, which comes to an end in 2013, and, therefore, European agricultural reform will be a big part of Ireland's Presidency. They are big issues in which this House must play a role in terms of setting the agenda. I ask the Leader to ensure that time is given for that discussion over the coming months because we must agree this programme with the other two countries within our trio and agree our programme.