Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Regarding what Chancellor Merkel had to say, obviously there are issues in relation to matters that have been well articulated and amplified in the intervening period.

The whole question as to how we might proceed by way of a very limited amendment has become clear from President Van Rompuy's consultations. These indicate widespread support for a very limited amendment that should be given effect through the simplified revision procedure, which in turn implies no change of competence. Based on the form of wording currently being considered, I am hopeful that no referendum will be necessary, but, of course, we cannot be definitive in that regard until there is a final wording.

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