Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I acknowledge the presence of the Minister of State and thank him for coming. He has been here on all occasions we have addressed the important subject of the Lisbon treaty. Last year also, we had a debate on the issue.

Last week, the Leader of the House made a statement that some parties were speaking through both sides of their mouths on the Lisbon treaty and were hoping the referendum will be defeated. Yesterday, we challenged him on this and he had to agree that where my party is concerned, he could not state we were speaking through both sides of our mouths on the issue. For a long period of time, we have been to the forefront in promoting a "Yes" vote and seeking a date for the referendum.

The last thing we need is the Leader of the House stating "we will be defeated" with regard to the Lisbon treaty. We do not want to have this as a referendum on the Government. A comment such as "we will be defeated" plays into the hands of people who want to have a go at the Government rather than addressing the Lisbon treaty and all that is contained within it.

Sitting suspended at 12.30 p.m. and resumed at 2.30 p.m.