Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I recognise the importance of the Lisbon treaty and having a referendum on it passed. Obviously, while the Fine Gael Party campaigned strongly on this issue last year, the result is as was. I discussed this matter with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and set out my views on the holding of the referendum. My view was, and is, that the issues of concern to the Irish people should be dealt with sequentially. I refer to issues, be they ethical matters, corporate tax or conscription, which were to the fore during the referendum debate. For this reason, I set out my view that the referendum should be held towards the autumn of this year and that the timeline the Government was working on should be towards that date.

From the last meeting I attended in Brussels, I understand the Czech Presidency is working on the declarations to which the Taoiseach referred, with the aim of having them ready in time for the June summit. I ask the Taoiseach to confirm that the timeline is as was, that is, the Lisbon referendum should be put to the people some time during the autumn. This would provide a decent timescale to deal with such issues and everything could be given proper structure and debate so that, on the next occasion, the assurances the Taoiseach correctly sought and was given at the December Council meeting can be understood fully by the people. They can then be asked the question on the Lisbon treaty, with the added declarations, at a future time.

I ask the Taoiseach to confirm this because I do not want this issue clouded by other issues. Obviously, this is of great importance to our country, its economy and to Europe as a whole. It is important to have a clear strategy and timeline, as well as clear and adequate preparation, in order that on the next occasion there is no ambivalence and there are no unanswered questions, and that everyone in the country is made as fully aware as possible before answering the question.

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