Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In the normal way, statements were made after every European Council meeting as to what took place. We had that debate in the House and the position was clear. I outlined to the House that political undertakings had been given to the Government and we believed that if they were transposed in the way we sought and agreed by the June Council, we would be prepared to call a referendum. I also indicated we have to work with the Presidency in that matter and there have been a number of developments in regard to the current Presidency. We took the opportunity in Prague last week to again discuss that issue with the outgoing Prime Minister and the newly appointed Prime Minister, Mr. Fischer. We are working with the legal services division, the Commission and the Presidency and we must get agreement from other member states as to the exact wording they will agree to, based on the undertakings we have received. When we know there is a consensus emerging on that, we can then conduct a discussion at home prior to the Council meeting taking place.

See this speech in context