The treaty is in a language almost impossible to understand. Sometimes we may ask whether that is deliberate. It is vitally important there is not a communications gap between citizens – the most important group – and the various European institutions. The constitutional position with regard to mutual defence arrangements is clear: Ireland cannot join an EU common defence without the approval of the people in a referendum. In our response to the draft articles brought forward recently by the Praesidium of the convention, Ireland has noted that a provision for a possible EU common defence is already contained in the current EU treaty, whereby this is for decision by the European Council, acting unanimously, and the member states in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. Inclusion of a further such provision in the treaty is, therefore, appropriate.