Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

Decisions will be made in the European Council in Brussels today which are outlined in the The Irish Times article by Jamie Smyth, the correspondent in Brussels, who refers to the draft conclusions of the European Council. It sets out the date committed to by Government — a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty will be held before 31 October next year. The article also outlines the assurances the Irish Government will receive on neutrality, social rights, ethical issues, taxation etc.

We had the Minister of State responsible for European affairs in the House this week. Mere days before the European Council meeting he stated:

It would not be possible for me to describe in detail the shape of the agreement that might be reached at the end of this week. In fact, I would venture to say no-one could.

He also stated, "It is likely to take some months of very detailed discussion before we reach this point."

That is misleading. If the referendum on Lisbon II is to succeed, there must be co-operation between Government and Opposition parties in support of our place in Europe. It seems the Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen, does not learn from his mistakes — on the first referendums on the Nice and Lisbon treaties — and he in going alone on this issue and not informing this or the Lower House of what was planned for this European Council meeting.

The draft conclusions and, essentially, the negotiations on these issues which are reflected in the draft conclusions of the European Council, are prepared quite some time——