An EU report to be published in late June will put a spotlight on increases in Irish house prices, according to Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes.

Next year will be crucial for the EU. Citizens will elect a new European Parliament, which will vote for a new president of the EU Commission. There will be a new president of the European Council and a new high representative for foreign and security policy.

Unemployed Irish people should be able to work in underdeveloped countries and retain their unemployment payments from the State, Dáil Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett told fellow deputies from other EU member states.

Budget 2013 is a reforming piece of work, particularly in the area of pensions and a property tax, believes Finance Minister Michael Noonan.