Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

A worrying report appears in The Irish Times today under the headline "EU members fear Lisbon guarantees may reopen whole debate". I presume this refers to the concern of other EU governments that the possible inclusion in the Lisbon treaty of a protocol relating to the guarantees Ireland is seeking in respect of abortion, workers' rights, neutrality etc. may cause political problems in their jurisdictions. What is of concern to us is that we still do not know the nature of the guarantees the Government is seeking from the EU. It has not been made clear whether the guarantees being sought will reflect the concerns that arose during the referendum campaign, in which we all participated.

It is worrying that the Government has failed to make the House aware of what is happening in respect of such a fundamental issue, namely, ratification of the Lisbon treaty. Is it wise that the Taoiseach appears to be going it alone again in respect of the treaty? Is there an intention to work with Opposition parties and take a bipartisan approach to ensuring that the "Yes" side will win the second referendum on the Lisbon treaty? I put it to the Leader that it is important to obtain clarity on the guarantees that are being sought, particularly in view of the fact that we do not want a row to take place here or in the Lower House after the event. It would be much better if we could agree on these issues before seeking assurances from Brussels.

Another report in one of this morning's newspapers refers to the fact that new welfare cheques being introduced on foot of a clampdown on social welfare fraud will, as a result of a reduction in costs, net the Exchequer €600 million. The report in question refers to the fact that social welfare inspectors have been taking part in a series of vehicle checks with the Garda in Border areas in order to put a stop fraud etc., which may involve people living in Northern Ireland.