Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

Will the Taoiseach oppose any move towards a two-tier system at the summit tomorrow? Will the Minister give his approval to the remaining countries which have not yet ratified the treaty to so do? I presume the Taoiseach will not accept the request made by Mr. Martin Schulz to remove Commissioner McCreevy, but the Minister might comment on the reasons for making such a request. Does he have any proposals to make to conduct surveys or research or engage in consultation on the outcome of the referendum? He said there was currently no timescale, but has he thought of any practical steps to take?

I asked about the advice of the Attorney General on the constitutional impediment to the treaty, and whether he could identify the innovations in it that impacted on the Constitution, as distinct from merely administrative and logistical innovations that did not impact on it and would be subject to parliamentary action.

The Minister has stated there is a disconnect to a certain degree arising from the "No" vote. The proposal was made by the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny that we put in place mechanisms to discuss European affairs in this Chamber, especially given the enhanced role to be given to national parliaments. This cannot be done legally now that the treaty has not been approved, but would the Minister consider doing this on an informal basis? This Parliament and its elected representatives could be brought closer to the people. The second proposal from the joint committee was that an information centre be established in Dáil Éireann. Would the Minister consider establishing such a centre?

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