Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I wish for as many Senators as possible to speak. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, to the House and wish her well in her work. I also wish her and Senator Bradford well for the Christmas season.

From working with the Minister of State on the then Joint Committee on European Scrutiny, I know she has a significant knowledge of and interest in Europe. She chaired a committee and its recommendation on the Seanad's work in terms of European scrutiny was important. She has made a good start by briefing the House on the atmosphere and details of last week's meeting, which she attended.

We have discussed this matter with the Leader, who has been innovative as well as open to ideas and suggestions on how to strengthen the House. It should not be done just because of the possibility of a referendum on a constitutional amendment next year. The Leader has been working on this matter since taking up office. Not all European legislation needs to be discussed in the House, but some political issues should. Our 60 Members have considerable experience in different fields. In time, we will get the process to work. The Leader is very much in favour of arranging such debates.

Last week's meeting of European Heads of State and Government in Brussels was the most vital in the history of the EU. Unfortunately, it was divisive and led to the unfortunate isolation of Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, who felt forced to use his veto. A veto is always a last resort in negotiations. Speaking as the former Minister of State with responsibility for trade and marketing responsible for the negotiation of the Single European Act, SEA, the veto was never used, as we worked in harmony to create a consensus.

Britain was and is a good ally of ours in the EU. This relationship has been to our mutual benefit, as Britain is our largest trading partner and we are its fifth largest trading partner, given our population of 4.3 million people. We share crucial interests. Some form of agreement needed to be made, but leaving the door open would be preferable. I welcome today's statement to the effect that President Van Rompuy has been in contact with the British Government, which will have observer status and will send civil servants to meetings. This is a worthwhile development.

Twenty-three countries have agreed, three further countries are considering the matter and Britain has disagreed. The question of an international agreement outside the EU——