I wish to ask the Taoiseach about the statements on the forthcoming European Council meeting which the House is due to take after the Order of Business. I understand that once again the 12 non-aligned Members of the House will be excluded from this debate. We are permanently excluded from making statements on European Council meetings. Will the Taoiseach consider taking a more inclusive approach by affording all Members time to contribute to debates of this nature? Obviously, important decisions are going to be taken at this week's meeting in respect of the future leadership of the European Commission. I am vice president of the European People's Party-----

I do not think the Deputy will be considered for the top job.

-----and I will be participating in some of the discussions that are due to take place in the coming days. Perhaps the Taoiseach-----

The Deputy has made her point.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle and I know he would like to facilitate me.

Some 65 minutes have been allocated for the statements and Members will be able to share time. Perhaps some Deputies may consider surrendering some of their time.

That would be fair.

I would be happy to accommodate the Deputy.

What about the man behind the Taoiseach? Is he prepared to accommodate her?

Given that 65 minutes have been allocated, we can take it that the Deputy will be given some time in which to make a contribution. I thank the Taoiseach for accommodating Deputy Creighton.