Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The President of the Council will formally put forward a wording and the reply I have given is based on the drafts we have seen thus far. However, when the final wording is presented - I cannot anticipate whether any amendments will be tabled or agreed at the meeting - I am simply observing the necessary protocols in saying that we will evaluate the final wording when it is agreed politically. The wording that President Van Rompuy has been addressing would indicate a limited procedure to us that will not involve a change of competence. On that basis alone, subject to detailed examination, we are very hopeful that a referendum will not be necessary.

See this speech in context