Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I will not accept criticism from the Deputy in respect of this matter. It is important that the Irish people are given full information. All the European member states, including Ireland, have until well into 2006 to make a decision on ratification. Much preparatory work is being carried out on the wording for the referendum to ensure it is right and on delivering full information to the Irish people in as simple a format as possible. This is a constitution to determine the future of Europe now that it is enlarged to 25 member states and so that it can be run more smoothly.

When any club or association decides to form, the first item on the agenda is the constitution, and that is exactly what is happening in the EU, given that membership has risen from 15 to 25. I believe that the Irish people accept that the work carried out by the Government during the Irish Presidency to bring this to fruition will stand it in good stead. Full information will be delivered to all households by both the Referendum Commission and the Government.

See this speech in context