Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 71: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has met President Elect Francois Hollande since his election; his plans regarding same; if he expects significant changes to the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24476/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I visited Paris on Sunday 6 May upon the election of President-elect Hollande in my capacity as leader of the Labour Party. I have also had a number of informal exchanges with members of his transition team. The Taoiseach spoke by telephone to President-elect Hollande on 9 May and congratulated him on his victory in the presidential elections in France. Their discussions focused on the referendum on 31 May on the Stability Treaty, and the reorientation of the European agenda towards a strong growth future. They will meet at the informal dinner of Heads of State and Government on 23 May which will focus on the growth agenda.

Officials from my own Department and from the Department of the Taoiseach have been in close contact with the team of President-elect Hollande. It is our clear understanding that the substance of the Stability Treaty is not to be reopened for negotiation. President-elect Hollande has consistently stressed the importance of developing a growth dimension to EU policy in addition to the provisions in the Stability Treaty. This is an approach I have long argued for, is urgently needed and is to be very much welcomed.