Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is asking me to speculate on work that is still ongoing, its purpose being to see in what way the concerns raised by the people can be addressed. Until that exercise is conducted and until we see if we can form the basis of an agreement to move forward it is speculative to say what might happen. Obviously we are very grateful that colleague governments and other member states are providing us with the opportunity to explore those options with them. Until we explore them, have those conversations and see what is available, we know only one thing, namely, that 26 states do not wish to revert to their parliaments for re-ratification of the treaty. It is also obvious that unless all 27 states ratify the treaty it will not come into force. The political dilemma is how to act in solidarity with colleagues and other member states while respecting the decision we came to; we must see in what way we can move the situation forward based on further clarification and elucidation of the concerns raised during the course of the last referendum. That is the exercise we are involved in at present and to project beyond that at this point is premature.

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