Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

1 o’clock

Deputy Fleming is well aware that a referendum on the EU treaties is only necessary in this country when the Attorney General of the day advises the Cabinet of the day that there is a transfer of sovereignty under the treaties. That is not envisaged here. What is envisaged is that the outcome of the negotiations will be for the United Kingdom to have as close as possible a relationship with the European Union, of which we are a member. However, given our traditional connections both with Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom on a bilateral basis we want to hold on to those very close trading, social and political relationships. It is only in those circumstances that this would apply, and that is not envisaged.

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