Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I have answered the first question, which related to the European constitution, a number of times. Following the French and Dutch referenda results, the European Council decided to initiate the period of reflection. Deputy Kenny has stated this period is almost complete. Austria began its Presidency quite anxious to make significant progress and the matter was discussed at the foreign ministers' meeting. After the foreign ministers' meeting, the Austrian Presidency has limited its expectations for the June summit, if that is not to quote the Presidency unfairly. It is obliged to make a full report on the issue.

The Government's position is that it will continue to review the matter. I have stated to European colleagues that I cannot see us being able to press this issue until we see what our Dutch and French colleagues can do. Belgium has ratified it and Estonia is about to ratify it. I do not believe, from my latest information, that any other country will move on the matter. That continues to be the position. I will support any initiative and effort that colleagues make in attempting to progress the matter. I do not foresee a referendum or us being able to make any real movement on the French position. That remains my position.

Momentum is perhaps being gained by the opinion that countries which have not ratified the constitution should look at this and move on it. If the position changes after the March European Council meeting, I will report to the House on the conclusions. I do not foresee a change.

The Deputy's second question concerned the European Union Committee of the Regions, and he has written to me on the matter. I have not been involved in the breakdown, but I saw the points made by the Deputy. I do not recall if I replied to the Deputy, and I apologise if I have not done so. I have asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, to give me the breakdowns. I have seen the figures in the Deputy's conclusions and I understood there had been a consultation process. Clearly there must not have been. I will reply to the Deputy if I have not already done so.

On the third question, Deputy Kenny's Irish is so good, I normally understand most, if not all, of what he says. I wish I could speak it as fluently but I cannot. I can understand the Deputy fairly well, however. I agree with the terrorism Bill which was introduced in the Seanad.

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