Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

I have received an annotated draft agenda for the meeting of the European Council on 19 and 20 June which covers the ratification and preparations for the implementation of the Lisbon treaty; freedom, security and justice issues; the western Balkans; and external relations, including the "Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean".

This draft agenda predates the referendum here last week. The result of the referendum will, inevitably, feature significantly in our discussions. I will formally advise my European Council colleagues that the Irish people have rejected the proposal to amend our Constitution to enable ratification of the Lisbon treaty.

The members of the Council, who negotiated and agreed the draft treaty, and who agreed to a number of specific provisions to address Irish concerns in that process, will wish to understand the reasons this rejection has occurred. In my discussions with my colleagues, I will be stressing that the people have spoken and that the Government accepts the result.

I also will emphasise the need for all of the EU and its member states, not just Ireland, to reflect on what such a vote means and to play their part in working together to examine the possible ways forward.

As to their wish to understand the reasons for the result of our referendum, I will, to the best of my ability, reflect the range and depth of the debate and the main issues which featured in it. I will stress it is far too early yet to draw conclusions but that the Government will take the time required to take stock of all the elements that may have contributed to the outcome. I also will stress the need to consider what has happened and its implications in a calm, constructive and collective manner. I will underline that there can be no question of hasty answers or quick fixes.

Above all, I will stress that we now are entering a process of extensive consultation both domestically and with our EU partners. I will welcome the initial message of solidarity that was apparent at the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council yesterday. I also will take the opportunity to restate to the Council my views that the vote does not mean Ireland is turning away from the EU or that it implies a desire to stand aside from engagement with our EU partners.

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