Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the implications of the French and Dutch referendum results for the EU constitution; the impact on Ireland's planned referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27162/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Following the referendum results in France and the Netherlands, the June European Council meeting decided to initiate a period of reflection with regard to the European constitution. The intention is that member states should avail of this opportunity to hold national debates on European issues, including the European constitution. Next week, as part of this process, the Government will publish the White Paper on the European constitution which gives a factual description of the constitution and Ireland's approach to its negotiation. The White Paper should contribute to raising awareness of the constitution and the issues it addresses.

The Heads of State and Government will review the position regarding the constitution during the Austrian Presidency in 2006. This means the constitution cannot now enter into force as originally intended on 1 November 2006.

While the Government regrets the delay in bringing the constitution into effect, it is clear that the decision to engage in a period of reflection was the best option available to the European Council in the light of the uncertainties created by the French and Dutch votes. We remain committed to the constitution and hope to see it ratified as soon as possible. Until the position is clarified at the European level, it is not intended to set a date for a referendum in Ireland. A similar approach has been adopted in those other member states which intend to ratify the constitution by referendum.