Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Is it the case, as has been widely reported, that were the so-called legal guarantees to be agreed at this weekend's summit, they would not have legal status and would not come into effect until the next European Union treaty but would be incorporated in a future European Union treaty? At this point in time, it is expected that the next treaty will be that providing for Croatia's accession to the EU in 2011. Can the Taoiseach clarify whether that is the case? What will happen if all member states do not sign off on the proposed legally binding guarantees and the much less reassuring declarations that are to be made in areas like workers' rights and public services? Does the Taoiseach have a contingency plan if circumstances arise in which the unanimous support of all the other member states is not secured? When I have raised this issue with the Taoiseach on previous occasions, I have not resorted to arguing why I and others voted "No" last year. By contrast, the Taoiseach has always been keen in his responses to bring his perspective to the "No" vote. I suggest, with respect to the Taoiseach, that his comments have been disrespectful to the majority of the people who voted "No" for sound reasons, based on their real concerns.

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