Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)

With the agreement of the Chair I wish to share my time, allowing Senator Zappone two minutes and Senator O'Donnell one minute, respectively.

On behalf of the Independent Members whom the Taoiseach nominated to the Seanad, it is an honour for me to warmly welcome him to the Seanad. There are many issues I would like to raise on the question of reform, but today I will limit my comments to No. 1. I hope the Taoiseach will be able to join us in this Chamber in the near future to discuss other pressing issues.

As the Taoiseach said, January 2013 will mark several milestones in our relationship with the European Union. It coincides with the 40th anniversary of Ireland's accession to the EU and it will be Ireland's seventh Presidency. Ireland is considered an old hand with a very good track record. We have a good reputation to maintain. After our Presidency in 2013, the date of the next Presidency is unknown but it will be at least ten to 20 years before we assume the role again. The rotating Presidency is always an advertisement for the country in question. A good, able, competent successful Presidency is what the Government should be aiming for and I believe the Taoiseach outlined that in his speech. Coupled with our approach to host events on a cost effective basis, this will contribute to our reputation as a leader and negotiator. I am involved in attracting and encouraging several conferences and events, particularly from the European economic and social committee. As a former member of this committee I am encouraging them to host some of their activities in Ireland during 2013.

I believe the introduction under the Treaty of Lisbon of a permanent President for the European Council was a welcome innovation. I believe that Herman Van Rompuy has been doing an excellent job in very difficult circumstances. However, the six-monthly rotating Presidency still matters, particularly with regard to the legislative rhythm of the Union and with a range of important policy areas remaining with the rotating Presidency. Unemployment, especially youth unemployment, economic growth, debt restructuring, agriculture and fisheries and climate change negotiations are just some of the issues that I believe our Presidency can focus on to garner support at home.

Ireland's Presidency will be particularly significant because it will be the first of the new T5 Trio. Lithuania will follow in the second half of 2013, and in first half of 2014, Greece will host the Presidency. They have to agree a three Presidency programme. It is good that an old hand such as Ireland will be getting the T5 Trio Presidency under way. It is apt that this Presidency will bring together some of the smaller member states with some of the more troubled economies. The Irish Presidency should therefore be putting its weight very firmly behind any and all initiatives that will foster growth and employment and, above all, push hard on the Europe 2020 strategy. Coupled with growth, we need to put a strong focus on the wellbeing of citizens.

The Irish Presidency as the Taoiseach said, may inherit some hot potatoes, if they rumble on beyond the Cypriot Presidency, for example, the negotiations on the multi-annual financial framework and the vexed issue of the reform of EU staff regulations. I know we must deal with reform at home but this is a major issue at EU level. It is also in the nature of rotating presidencies that there will be unknown unknowns. I believe Ireland has the diplomatic and political machinery and long-standing experience to deal with such issues effectively.

As the European Union continues to develop, we need to be absolutely clear when it is most appropriate to take decisions closer to the people affected, that is at national or local level and in other cases, when it is best to take action at EU or global level. We need to examine further the balance of competencies.

Our Presidency will also coincide with the European Year of Citizens 2013. For citizens it should be seen as a chance for Ireland to have our voices heard. Ireland's position as President of the Council can steer the EU's direction back on to the original path of the Community, where all voices, no matter how small, were heard equally, where understanding and promotion of diversity and culture and ideas is to the fore. Popular sentiment has turned sour. This is a result of the perceived shift of political power to the centre of Europe and to nations such as France and Germany, which are seen now as the drivers of the EU project.

The Irish EU Council Presidency team must work hard to ensure that the 2013 agenda focuses on those issues that most affect the Irish people and EU citizens if it is to generate engagement and support for the EU, as I am sure they will. I believe that some prime examples where Ireland should focus its attention are growth in jobs, advancing the digital agenda, strengthening EU-US trade and economic relations and promoting competitiveness through enhanced research and development and innovation.

I wish to highlight how we need to pay greater attention to the development of the 12 key actions identified to revive the Single Market. These 12 drivers for growth, competitiveness and social progress include financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, consumer protection and the digital single market. I believe they have the potential to give new momentum which will significantly benefit businesses, workers and consumers. As the Leader, Senator Cummins, outlined, the role of this House could be to scrutinise some of those proposals that will come forward in October. I strongly believe that Ireland can play a leading role around the digital agenda and use it to showcase globally our preparedness for innovation and our potential role as a trail blazer.

I now hand over to my colleague, Senator Zappone