Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if elements of the EU constitution, which could be acted upon without referendum, will be prioritised for action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6810/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Agreement on the European constitution was arrived at following a long and complex set of negotiations. The outcome represents a finely balanced package and we oppose any suggestions for its selective implementation which could disturb that essential balance. It remains the Government's firm wish to see the constitution, as agreed in 2004, enter into force following ratification by all member states.

There are a number of areas, however, where it may be possible to make pragmatic improvements to the functioning of the Union within the existing treaty framework. For example, in December 2005 a decision was taken to improve openness and transparency with regard to the EU Council of Ministers. I am very supportive of moves towards greater transparency in EU business which can help give people a greater sense of engagement with, and ownership of, decisions taken at EU level.

Another area currently attracting attention is the role played by national parliaments in EU affairs. This is an area where more could be done without the need for treaty change and I would welcome further discussion of the contribution of national parliaments to the democratic life of the Union.