Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Since this Government took office, it has been its policy to have discussions in the House before and after any meetings of the European Council. In fact, I intend to have the pre-Council meeting discussion in the House next Tuesday because I must attend an economic forum on Wednesday and Thursday. The Deputy will have an opportunity to have his say on Tuesday before the Council meeting. He will also have the text that will be concluded, in so far as the officials are concerned. It should be available tomorrow.

Obviously the Deputy has a very different view on Europe from that of the Government and most parties in the House. He has opposed everything about Europe, except when it suits. In this case, when the text is eventually decided on by the political process, I will, as Head of Government, ask for formal legal advice from the Attorney General. If that advice indicates that a referendum is necessary, a referendum will be held. If the advice is that a referendum is not necessary, a referendum will not be needed.

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