Dr. Chris O'Connell:

No. We have not taken a stance. There has been a continual reliance on the need for an EU negotiating mandate to formally enter negotiations, which is the case. On the other hand, other EU member states such as France have spoken at the sessions. They have not formally negotiated but they have made suggestions and shared experiences during part of that process. States have also defined public positions with regard to the binding treaty. We know through facilities such as the friends of the chair of the process, of which both France and Portugal are part, there is a more informal, supportive network. There are options and ways that Ireland can demonstrate its support.