Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made on preparing for a referendum here on the European Union Reform Treaty; if there will be a consultative process between the Government parties and other parties supportive of the treaty; if a budget has been agreed for possible advertising purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30886/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 326: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects all EU countries to ratify the reform treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31221/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 334: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a date has been set for the EU Treaty of Reform Referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31229/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 326 and 334 together.

The EU Reform Treaty will be signed by Heads of State and Government, including the Taoiseach, on 13 December. The Treaty is expected to be ratified by each Member State before 1 January 2009. Member States will proceed with ratification under their respective constitutional provisions and in accordance with their own timetables.

The Government has sought legal advice from the Attorney General on whether ratification of the EU Reform Treaty requires an amendment to the Constitution. While it is necessary to await this advice, I expect that the Irish people will have an opportunity to vote on the Treaty, probably in mid-2008.

The Government will wish to consult fully with other parties on the Treaty throughout the ratification process. I have already written to all members of the Oireachtas providing them with a summary of the Treaty's provisions and we will shortly be in contact with party spokesmen to arrange for further consultations on the Treaty and its ratification.

A referendum campaign will need to be preceded by an active information effort and an initial short explanatory pamphlet on the Treaty will be published next month. A dedicated website is being established shortly. In accordance with established procedures, a Referendum Commission will be created to inform the public about the Treaty and to encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote.

As was the case with the previous EU referendum in 2002, the Referendum Commission will be properly resourced to enable it to carry out its role in an effective manner. In line with normal practice, the Government would intend to publish further material on the Reform Treaty in the early part of 2008, including a White Paper.