Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I said, the timeline to which I am working is outlined in the December conclusions. We have until the specified time; it is not a question of waiting until then. We should get on with the work, do it as quickly as possible and see what options are available to the country. It is my strong view, particularly in the context of the economic and financial crisis with which all of Europe and elsewhere is contending, that this uncertainty regarding the Lisbon treaty is an issue that does not benefit us to any great extent. Obviously, we have work to do in this regard.

Priority has been given to this matter by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State with responsibly for European affairs. I have asked that this work be given the highest possible priority. Discussions are ongoing with representatives of the various institutions in the Union, for example, legal services. As soon as the work is done, the Government can consider where to go from here. Others have expressed their view. I simply want to make sure the work gets done as soon as possible. We do not have to wait until June. It may be necessary to wait until then or it may be possible to get the work done sooner. We will have to wait and see.

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