Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I met with the President of the European Commission, Mr. José Manuel Barroso in Dublin on 17 April as part of a two day visit by the President to Ireland. Our discussions focused on a number of issues on the European Agenda including preparations for the referendum on the Reform Treaty. I also sought and received confirmation from the President that the Reform Treaty would copper-fasten Ireland's veto in relation to taxation matters.

During my discussions with the President, I told him that while as a trading nation Ireland wants a successful conclusion to this round of WTO negotiations, we are unhappy with the unbalanced way in which the World Trade Organisation negotiations have proceeded. The Government has impressed on the Commission at every opportunity and level that it must remain within its mandate and not do anything that would damage European and Irish agriculture.