Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

Tá fáilte roimh an Taoiseach. I echo the sentiment expressed by others regarding the remarkable disconnect between the politics of Europe and national politics. I would proffer that a more informed public understanding of the European Union would be gained very quickly if a reformed Seanad took on scrutiny of European legislation. This would ensure a more coherent dialogue and debate about European matters which in turn would bring Europe centre stage in our lives, where it undoubtedly belongs, as is evidenced in the work that the Taoiseach has been doing and in the work that has been done over the 40 years since we joined the union.

We all look forward to Ireland taking the Presidency of the European Council and much hard work is being done in preparation for the role. Our officials will have a key role to play in signing off on vital Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, reform. The Taoiseach will have a key role to play in ensuring that the new rural development programme under the CAP and this Government's allocation of the rural development funding will properly and fairly support all Irish farmers, whose role in our economic recovery is vital. Strong farmers create a strong food industry and in that context, the Taoiseach has acknowledged today the importance of exports to our financial recovery. That debate will take place over the next six to nine months and I trust the Taoiseach will be supporting the role of farmers and the role played by rural Ireland in enhancing all our lives.

While we welcome the potential breaking of the link between sovereign and bank debt it ultimately must bring relief to ordinary workers who have been caught up in this crisis and it must bring support for the most vulnerable in our society and we must not lose sight of that when we talk about it in a rather abstract way. That break surely has to bring, as quickly as possible, some relief to workers and support to the vulnerable.

The Taoiseach spoke about restoring our reputation and bringing back its shine in Europe. In that context, I ask him to ensure that our cultural institutions continue to operate at arms length from Government as they seek ways to work more efficiently because our cultural heritage marks out our place in Europe. It enhances our standing in the world and our cultural future is rooted in that strong heritage, whose independence must continue to be nurtured and cherished by this Government.