Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

The point is that the charter on fundamental rights is a cornerstone of the social protection architecture within the European Union and is a major factor in prospective support for the constitution as it stood among a large swathe of people here. Is the Taoiseach saying that publicly expressed reservations about the Government seeking to reserve its position on the opt-out are not well founded? We read — not from the Taoiseach's briefings admittedly because he did not refer to this after the summit — from briefings from EU officials, who confirmed last night that Ireland and Poland had both sought to reserve the right to follow Britain in opting out of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Is that the case? If it is not, what is the sense of us reserving our position?

Do I take it from what the Taoiseach said that we will have to have a referendum and when is it proposed to hold that referendum? Is it not the case that if there is doubt on the issue, a significant share of the population will be put off by that? What is the point of us reserving our position?

Has the Taoiseach had confirmation from his partners in Government that they will support what has emerged? Has he had discussions with his Progressive Democrats colleague and the "Green" Ministers, an unfortunate term if we continue to use it through the lifetime of the Dáil? However, they will sharpen up as it goes on, I imagine. Has the Taoiseach asked the Green Ministers if they will support what has now emerged in respect of what was known as the constitution? Does he know how many other countries must hold a referendum? Will he clarify that the Government does not seek any other opt-outs?

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