During a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committe on European Affairs on Reenforcing Economic Policy Co-ordination, I said: As Senator Leyden stated, we have been given much information. I come from a business background and I am used to competition, rather than co-ordination. Ms McCarthy used the word “competitiveness”, but the European Union is the world’s largest economy...

During a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs on a discussion with European Commission Maire Geoghegan Quinn on Rthe esearch, Innovation and Science and EU 2020 Strategy, I said: I welcome the Commissioner and we are delighted to have her on board. I also welcome her words and enthusiasm...

During a discussion with the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Patrick Honohan, on the banking crisis reports at the Joint Oireachtas Commitee on Finance and the Public Service, I said: My query is about this commission of investigation. From the words he has used, I wonder whether we need another commission of investigation or an inquiry..

During a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Commitee on European Affairs on the General Affairs and Foreign Affairs Council meetings, I asked: On the enlargement of the Union and Iceland, decisions have been made today on whether that will be on the agenda next week. Is it possible for the Minister to tell me Ireland’s position in this regard?...