Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The first point I will make is that this country no longer controls its economic destiny by virtue of the fact that we are in a programme. The programme that we are in ends in 2013. That programme supersedes the issues that are currently under discussion in terms of the international agreement on this treaty. The language surrounding the introduction of the European Stability Mechanism, ESM, is important in this sense. Any programme country - obviously, I would like to see Ireland out of its programme as quickly as possible - should be able to link itself to the possibility, if it required the ESM, of being able to avail of it.

In regard to the referendum, there will not be dancing on the head of a pin here. It took Deputy Adams quite a long time to recognise the legitimacy of the democracy we have here, and I am glad he did. As part of that democracy, the procedure is for the Government of the day, in regard to any transfer of competence in terms of Bunreacht na hÉireann, to ask the Attorney General of the day for formal legal advice. On the basis of that formal legal advice, the Government of the day forms its view. I have made it perfectly clear in my reply to the Ceann Comhairle and the House that, when the text is finalised at the Heads of Government meeting on Monday and is prepared for signature, then and only then will the Attorney General be asked for formal legal advice. If that legal advice clearly indicates that a referendum is necessary, then a referendum will be held. I hope this is clear. From that point of view, we will go through the process, which is well recognised in this democracy and has stood the test of time over very many years. I hope that answers Deputy Adams's question.

See this speech in context