Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the EU Constitution; if the recently agreed treaty or variation thereof is expected to be put to the people by way of referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18768/07]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to holding a referendum on the newly agreed European Union treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18688/07]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a referendum on the new EU reform treaty will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18728/07]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for the holding of a referendum on the European Constitution; when this will happen. [18656/07]

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures the Government will take in preparing for the referendum on a new European constitutional treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18807/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his preferred options in regard to the ratification of the EU Constitution in the aftermath of the recent EU Summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19086/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 100, 120, 158, 274 and 294 together.

Ratification proceedings with regard to the new Reform Treaty are a matter for individual Member States in every case. As far as Ireland is concerned, we will as always in such matters examine in detail the constitutional implications for us of the Reform Treaty. The Government will proceed by consulting the Attorney General and a decision as regards a possible referendum will be taken in that context.

The Reform Treaty meets our overall interest of an effective Union equipped to meet the needs and interests of our citizens and capable of playing an effective role in promoting our values on the world stage. Most importantly also, it will enable the enlarged Union and its entities to function to full effect in the interest of all the Member States and their peoples. The content of the Reform Treaty which, while retaining the overwhelming substance of the EU draft Constitution, will of course require the most careful and thorough explanation to the public.

We are pleased also that the European Council emphasised the crucial importance of reinforcing communication with European citizens, providing full and comprehensive information on the European Union and involving them in a permanent dialogue. As the European Council conclusions note, this will be particularly important during the upcoming IGC and ratification process.