Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

It will be ironic to attend the National Forum on Europe tomorrow, given that it was established subsequent to the difficulties experienced by Ireland regarding the Nice treaty. Part of the forum's remit was to provide greater awareness, transparency and accountability by involving citizens. That was Ireland's response to a difficult situation when we had a negative vote but the response we are now discussing is the opposite. We have no transparency whatsoever and it seems the purpose of the procedure on which we have embarked is to enable member states to avoid referenda by making matters as confusing, complex and legalistic as possible. It will be interesting to learn how the various Irish interest groups respond at tomorrow's forum. It certainly seems we are moving backwards in that respect, which is a severe disappointment.

Was any discussion held on whether the way is now open to proceed with enlargement and is there the stomach for proceeding, particularly with regard to the Balkans?

We do not have a text of a treaty as such but we have a mandate for the IGC. Has any other substantial issue from the constitutional treaty been included, apart from climate change? I understand that component represents a major difference from the original treaty.

Perhaps the Minister of State can provide the answer the Taoiseach did not give during Question Time by indicating whether the other two parties in Government were consulted in advance on acceptance or otherwise of the caveat to the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

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