Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Martin is using peculiar phraseology today. I assume that by saying "consult with the people" he is talking about holding a referendum, but he did not say that. Deputy Martin's view yesterday and that of his party, which was espoused by Deputy Michael McGrath in a very constructive fashion, was that if a referendum was required in the context of changing the Constitution, it should be held. That is the position. I have been very clear about this.

When Deputy Martin says that it is right and important that the people are properly informed, he can take it I agree with that. The people will be properly informed. The Deputy said they were not adequately informed over the past six months. They have had a flavour of the discussions that have taken place, but Deputy Martin will understand that the final text was only agreed yesterday evening. Therefore, the final text upon which discussions on the content will take place was only finalised by the Heads of Government at last night's meeting in Brussels. As the Deputy is aware, this morning at the Cabinet meeting I asked for formal approval to have the Minister for Foreign Affairs write formally to the Attorney General, as is required, to seek formal legal advice on the question as to whether the text and wording agreed at yesterday evening's meeting is in compliance with Bunreacht na hÉireann. As the Deputy is aware, then we change the Constitution or seek the right to change the Constitution if that is necessary. The Government has asked the Attorney General for formal legal advice and that will be given in due course and the Government will act on the legal advice given by her.

I am quite sure Deputy Martin supports fiscal discipline, proper budgetary oversight and the opportunities for growth and job creation, not only in this country but right across the eurozone and Union and that is what the discussions that took place at an intensive level since just after Christmas Day were concerned with. We will have a discussion here tomorrow on the outcome of the meeting and will have ample opportunity to discuss the articles and preambles to the intergovernmental agreement agreed yesterday. The Deputy may take it that the public will be properly informed as to what is at stake and in due course, when the Attorney General's formal legal advice comes to the Government, we will act in accordance with the precedent here. I will wait to see what is the advice of the Attorney General.

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