Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

Ireland will hold the EU Presidency from 1 January 2013, and it is appropriate to set aside time in early September to consider the programme in which we will be involved. It would be useful to get the views of Senators on what we should focus on during this major opportunity to sell the advantages of Ireland over six months. Some 26 other member states will come here on a regular basis and we should not miss the opportunity. A 27th member state will join during 2013 and it is important to have a debate. I ask for time to be set aside in early September to deal with the programme for the EU Presidency.