Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

Let me draw the House's attention to the decision of the German constitutional court, which found the Lisbon treaty was compatible with the federal constitution. There are some adjustments required in domestic law but the fundamental fact is that it has been found that the Lisbon treaty is compatible with basic German law. The judgment found that the European Union is based on international law and the responsibility for integration remains with member states, which remain masters of the treaty. This clears the way for ratification of the treaty by Germany. The Czechs and Poles have approved the treaty and it remains to be signed by those countries' Presidents subject to the outcome of the referendum in Ireland. They will only sign when Ireland approves the treaty by referendum. We are back in the limelight.

All the member states want the treaty. We have an interest in it and have received our clarifications on taxation, neutrality and the right to life. It is an international treaty and, subject to ratification on the basis of the guarantees we received, it will become part of EU law. When will the Taoiseach announce a date for the referendum so we can start the campaign on making this very important decision?