Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

However, the people are entitled to have a debate on the treaty and its details. It is confirmation of austerity over the next several years which the Minister of State claimed it was not. The Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Martin, has put a list of questions on the treaty to the Taoiseach. I hope the Minister of State will be able to give some responses to them here. Given that Ireland will remain in a programme of assistance with the EU and IMF until the end of 2013, the preamble makes it clear that the treaty's provisions will not apply to Ireland when it remains in the programme. Will the treaty's provisions apply to Ireland as soon as it leaves the programme on 1 January 2014 or will it apply on 1 January 2016?

I have been informed the Minister of State recently made some comments about Ireland's past attendance at European Council meetings. Attendance has always been exemplary and an independent assessment put us fifth highest out of 27 member states. When I was a trade Minister I attended all Council meetings. The Minister of State should show some humanity for any Minister who may have personal reasons for not attending a meeting. All crucial Council meetings were attended.