Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. Recent European Commission research indicates that more than half the population believes Ireland has benefitted from our membership of the European Union. Following the Taoiseach's discussions with his counterparts in other member states, what is the situation regarding the ratification of the EU constitution? Is it likely it will ever be put to the Irish electorate in the format which was rejected in France? Will non-contentious sections be extracted and implemented and some other type of treaty or ratification process be put in place?

Has the Government considered what approach we should take? Does the Taoiseach believe a referendum on some form or elements of the draft constitution will be put to the electorate in the course of the Government's lifetime? What future is envisaged for the still extant National Forum on Europe? How many meetings does the Taoiseach expect it to have over the next 12 months and will it have an explanatory and information role in the meantime through hosting public debates on EU issues cental to the constitution as proposed?

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