Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 2 and 4 together.

The Government very much regrets the outcome of the referenda in France and the Netherlands on the European constitution. However, we fully respect the democratic right of the people of each country to make their own decision, as we respect the decisions of those other member states that have already ratified the constitution.

The European constitution can only enter into force if and when all 25 member states have ratified it. The situation is complex and it is important that the EU should move forward in a considered and united way. We hope the discussion at the European Council on 16-17 June will be significant in helping to chart the way forward.

In the run up to the European Council, contacts with partners at all levels will continue. The Taoiseach is today meeting Chancellor Schroeder and Prime Minister Juncker, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs held informal discussions with colleagues in Luxembourg earlier this week. The Government remains committed to the European constitution and to its ratification by Ireland. The constitution is the product of an unprecedentedly open and lengthy debate at the European Convention, followed by a full Intergovernmental Conference. The text that emerged represents a carefully balanced compromise among all 25 member states, and meets all of Ireland's concerns.

While the European Union can and will continue to operate on the basis of the current treaties, we believe the constitution would bring about a number of significant improvements. It consolidates and clarifies the mass of existing treaties. It sets out the EU values, objectives and principles in a clear, balanced and durable way. It would help the enlarged EU to operate more effectively, both internally and externally, enhance the fundamental rights of European citizens and help make the union more open and democratic, with greater roles both for national parliaments and the European Parliament. We continue strongly to support the European constitution because it is in Ireland's interests and in Europe's interests.

We continue also to prepare for ratification by the target date of November 2006. As the House is aware, last week the Government published the Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill. Publication of the Bill allows for the establishment of the referendum commission through an order made by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. The Government has also prepared a White Paper to help inform the public, which will be ready for publication shortly.

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