Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The conference will number MEPs, MPs and so on from across Europe. We will work with the Ceann Comhairle to organise debates in the Dáil as well. The Minister of State mentioned that her offices will be available.

Senators have discussed the Government's success in guaranteeing a commitment towards Ireland as a special case. I congratulate the Minister of State. Given the level of importance, we must not be critical of Ireland on the European front. We are all trying to do our best. I welcome the fact that Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande have issued a joint communique with the Taoiseach. We must pull together and give the country as much help as possible on the international stage instead of looking for holes from which to pull rabbits. People should try to find the positive aspects.

The Minister of State mentioned the professional qualifications directive. I am a member of the environment committee, which is debating architects' qualifications under the Building Control Act 2007. I do not want the Minister of State to answer now, but perhaps I will contact her office to determine whether they are covered by the professional qualifications directive.