TODAY'S scheduled European Parliament debate on Ireland's plans for the EU Presidency is now likely to be dominated by Northern Ireland.
The DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, is among MEPs from many countries and parliamentary groups due to speak during the debate.
However, it could not be ascertained last night if Dr Paisley would travel to Strasbourg, as he was attending the multi party talks in Belfast yesterday.
The format of the debate has been changed to allow MEPs to express their views on recent events in the North, and to allow Mr Spring to respond. The parliament president, Mr Klaus Hansch, will open the debate this morning with a special statement on Northern Ireland.
Mr Spring, speaking as president of the European Council of Ministers, will then make a statement about the North before outlining Ireland's plans for the six month presidency. MEPs can speak on any aspect of the debate they want, including Northern Ireland.
The Dublin Labour MEP, Ms Bernie Malone, will be the first to speak after Mr Spring. At the end, Mr Spring will respond to points raised.
A Government spokesman said that, while the European agenda was the main subject for discussion this morning, it was open to MEPs to raise whatever subjects they wanted. Mr Spring would respond to any points made during his closing address at the end of the three hour debate.
The Tanaiste will also speak during the debate on a parliament report which says Europe will never be able to implement a common foreign and security policy "without a common defence policy and a common system of deterrence", a phrase taken to mean nuclear weapons.
The report expresses disappointment that the EU member states have not developed more common positions on foreign policy issues.