Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding to the EU constitution; when the matter is next to be discussed with his European counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39195/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the nature of discussions he has had with his EU colleagues in the context of the future development of the EU with particular reference to the constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39615/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of the discussions which have taken place on the possible ratifications of the EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39616/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 218 and 219 together.

Thirteen member states have so far ratified the EU constitution but it cannot enter into force without being ratified by all member states. Following the referendum results in France and the Netherlands, it is clear that the constitution will not enter into force by the target date of 1 November 2006. The June European Council decided to initiate a period of reflection with regard to the European constitution, allowing time for national debates.

Ministers of European Affairs met in Brussels on 7 November to exchange views on how the national debates are proceeding. The issue was subsequently discussed by Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 21 November. Member states have since contributed to a joint UK-Austrian interim report on the progress of national debates during the period of reflection. This report and the subject of the future of Europe were among the items covered by Foreign Ministers in Brussels on Monday in preparation for this week's European Council.

During the Austrian Presidency, EU Foreign Ministers will be involved in preparing for a review by the heads of state and government during the first half of 2006, which will determine how the Union is to deal with the EU constitution.