Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 498: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will include a protocol (details supplied) in the Lisbon Treaty. [12327/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Reform Treaty was signed by European Union Heads of State or Government in Lisbon on 13 December 2007. The Treaty, as with previous EU Treaties, contains a number of Protocols which have the same legal force as the Treaty itself. The Treaty, together with its accompanying Protocols, is an agreed document among the 27 Member States and no further amendment to the Treaty can take place.

The Member States have set a target of 1 January 2009 for the conclusion of each State's ratification procedures and the entry into force of the Treaty. Six Member States have already completed their domestic ratification process. The Government are fully satisfied with the Reform Treaty's provisions in respect of security and defence matters. They will allow the Union to continue to develop its crisis management capabilities, in line with the wishes of the Member States. They pose no threat to Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. Ireland will continue to play an active role in the development and implementation of the European Union's security and defence policy, reflecting our long tradition of international peace-keeping and our overall values.