Lorraine Higgins (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and I congratulate her on all the great work she has done in her portfolio. This is a busy time for her and I appreciate her taking the time to come to the House. Next year will be significant as we take over the EU Presidency and it is great to know it will be under her capable guidance. What will be our agenda and priorities and what do we hope to achieve? I hope Ireland will have a strong input into EU job creation policy, particularly in regard to youth employment. I ask that a special task force be set up to ensure this issue remains to the fore of our EU agenda.