Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I make it very clear that the Dáil should have the documents discussed in the German Parliament and any other documents of which we are not aware. I do not want to read about this in the newspaper next week to discover that we have been ignored once again. When I asked about whether substantive treaty change would be put to a referendum, the Taoiseach replied that he cannot give any guarantees. However, the Taoiseach can give guarantees and he chose not to. The Taoiseach could easily have said that, on a matter of substantive change, people will have their say. When dealing with bigger powers, the problem is that the Taoiseach spells out in advance how he is complying with all that they want. I presume the Taoiseach reflects privately what he says publicly. It is little wonder that they are ignoring what is happening here. I want the Taoiseach to reflect on his answer and to make it clear that he can make guarantees. He is the Taoiseach and he can say that he will call a referendum if there are substantive treaty changes. I beg him to do so now.

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