Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We obtained commitments last December from member states as to the nature of the reassurances they were in a position to give, short of re-ratifying the treaty themselves. That is the situation. We are now dealing with the wording and drafting to give expression to that so a decision can be made at the June Council in regard to these matters.

As the Deputy knows, in the aftermath of the December Council discussion we outlined our position in regard to each and every one of those matters, including the issue on workers' rights. We have set that out on the record of the House. The technical work that must be done is ongoing. We must make sure that all other member states agree to the texts so we can give effect to the undertakings we received in December. That work is ongoing, primarily through the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State with special responsibility for European Affairs. As soon as the finalisation of that process comes about, which we would hope will happen in the coming weeks, we can explain what it is that member states are prepared to agree to, based on the undertakings we have received.

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