Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach has confirmed that there will be a referendum on the revised EU treaty, the constitution we are told is not a constitution. Can he assure the Irish people that there will be only one referendum on this revised EU treaty, that the Government will abide by the verdict irrespective of the verdict delivered and that it will implement it accordingly? Can the Taoiseach guarantee that there will be no repeat of the travesty of democracy that ensued when the people spoke in the first Nice treaty referendum and he forced a second poll?

Will the Government pursue an opt-out on state aid provisions at the forthcoming EU governmental conference to overcome the legacy of partition and build a vibrant all-Ireland economy? Is the Taoiseach aware that the state aid provisions are overly restrictive and make it almost impossible for member states to make use of targeted state funding to full effect regarding reaching objectives on balanced regional development? I am referring particularly to infrastructural deficits in the Border region. The Taoiseach clearly has a considerable mandate to address these deficits and introduce relevant measures. Will the Taoiseach seek an opt-out on state aid provisions at the EU governmental conference given his stated intent, and the mandate he has secured for a third time, will be thwarted by the measures contained in that element?

Can the Taoiseach explain how the introduction of an EU Foreign Minister, a so-called high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, could be consistent with the neutral and independent status of this State? How will the Government relate to this new position in its dealings with the European Union and other member states? How will the new position square with our independent position on foreign policy and the role of our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern?

See this speech in context