Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Leader for securing a commitment from the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Lucinda Creighton, on the holding of an important debate.

On the proposal concerning Report Stage of the Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011, will the Leader allow additional time should it be required? The debate is due to conclude at 1.15 p.m. If Members are still offering, will the Leader give a commitment that he will extend the time allowed? I await his response before agreeing to support the Order of Business.

As I said, I am pleased the Leader has secured a commitment from the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Lucinda Creighton, to come to the House next week. I am concerned about a report in the newspapers this morning in which a senior European official is quoted as saying, "We drafted the text for the treaty so that he [the Taoiseach] has a chance to avoid a referendum." That is extremely serious.