Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

We will work with them because, as far as I can recall, members of the Croatian Government will attend meetings.

During the Minister of State's period as a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs she effectively and successfully chaired a sub-committee on the Lisbon treaty. On that occasion she spoke about the role of the Oireachtas and did a very good job of it. Like myself she must be disappointed that the Seanad has not been significantly involved with European legislation. In the Seanad she gave a commitment, in conjunction with the Leader of the House, that she would consider it. I hope that we would devote one day a month to discuss legislation of general interest to Members, as opposed to particular sectoral interests. I hope that she will examine it again in her role as Minister with responsibility for European affairs and during the period of the Presidency.

Earlier the Minister of State outlined some of the issues and events that will take place during the Presidency. I note the meeting of the trade ministers of Ireland that will focus on trade between the European Union and the US. We hosted such a meeting in Dromoland Castle but I do not think she will have the same opportunity to host meetings at such venues.