Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach has not answered the question. What I want to know is whether, in the course of this intensive engagement officials from this State, on the direction of this Government, engaged with the European institutions to draft the treaty in such a way as to frustrate the prospect of a referendum in this country. I want the Taoiseach to confirm or deny to the House that this was the case.

The Taoiseach mentioned Ireland's influence. The truth is the only stages where Ireland has exerted that influence is when the people had the opportunity to vote at referendum. I believe the Irish electorate is extremely influential. The Tánaiste told a committee of this Oireachtas and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, also stated the Taoiseach did not want a referendum but wants to proceed with a change of this magnitude-----

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