A Question and Answer session followed the address with President Barroso taking questions from students on a range of European issues.

President Barroso was greeted on arrival by UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy before proceeding to the Aula Maxima. The host of dignitaries included Mr Micheál Martin, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment who introduced the President to the distinguished gathering.  Welcoming President Barroso, Dr Murphy said: "It is appropriate that the leader of Europe today, José Manuel Barroso should choose an Irish university to set out the opportunities Europe presents to this and future generations of Irish, should we choose to engage wholeheartedly, unambiguously and generously with our fellow European citizens."

In his speech, President Barroso said: "The Treaty of Lisbon is designed to modernise the European Union. It will make the European Union more democratic, more efficient and give it a stronger voice in external relations. The Treaty will make a Union which works well work even better, particularly now that it has grown to 27 Member States."

Commenting on Ireland's economic policy President Barroso said, "Ireland will be able to preserve the Irish economic model. I know that, in a crucial area of this model, taxation policies, there is a wide debate in Ireland. Let me make three points: first, the Treaty of Lisbon makes no changes to the rules on tax policy; secondly, with unanimity needed for any new laws, nothing can be imposed against Irish will; thirdly, this is not a question of "Ireland vs the rest"; other Member States share the Irish position (or Member States have different positions). And as I have said, far from going against the grain, your economic policies are rather something that other parts of Europe want to follow."

Regarding tackling climate change, President Barroso also explained, "The Treaty of Lisbon will also offer the tools to tackle climate change. A large majority of Europeans see climate change as a major threat. They are right, and that is why Europe is taking action. Again, on their own, European countries cannot do it all. Together, we have the critical mass to be the global leaders, showing others that you can have clean, smart economic growth which does not damage our planet."

President Barroso's two-day visit to Ireland finishes today. Earlier, he visited Cork Dockland and City Chambers.

Picture: President José Manuel Barroso with UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy

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