Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

It is important for us to publish a detailed White Paper on this issue, which has been raised repeatedly in the House, and we will do so. As I told Deputy Kenny earlier, there is a period of reflection pending a decision next summer on what will happen. At this stage, I do not see the French or the Dutch being able to make a decision in that regard. The French, in particular, will not make such a decision during a presidential election year. Whatever happens next summer, it is unlikely that those countries will hold a constitutional referendum, but that does not change the position. Europe cannot continue to operate structures that were designed for six member states and were then tinkered with to cater for nine countries. The structures were never really changed to cope with 12 or 15 states, and we are now looking at 25 plus. It just cannot go on.

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