Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has reviewed or propose to review structures or procedures within the EU in the aftermath of the referendum on the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23703/08]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way he will deal with EU affairs in the aftermath of the Lisbon treaty referendum. [23154/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 79 together.

The result of the referendum is, of course, deeply disappointing for all who argued in favour of ratification of the Lisbon Reform Treaty. However, the people have made their decision which must be respected.

We will need time to analyse the result properly and to look for an acceptable way forward. The result of the referendum brings about a situation of considerable uncertainty for Ireland in Europe. The Government will not rush into any decisions on how to move forward.

The intention is that we will consult widely and intensively in the months ahead. The European Council, which begins tomorrow, provides an early opportunity for the Taoiseach to give his initial assessment of the referendum result. and its implications.

This is a very important moment in the history of Ireland's hugely successful engagement with the European Union, which has been a central pillar of our national development since 1973. Our goal will be to ensure that Ireland continues to occupy its appropriate position at the heart of the EU. and with a constructive contribution to make to the Union's future development.

Last week, the forthcoming French, Czech and Swedish Presidencies of the Council circulated a comprehensive programme of work for the Union over the next eighteen months. Ireland has a vital interest in the ongoing success of the Union in dealing with the key issues on its agenda in the period ahead. The Government will therefore be contributing actively to policy debates within the various Council formations.

The Treaty of Nice, which was endorsed by the Irish people in 2002, provides the legal basis for the Union's continued functioning. It has to be acknowledged, however, that the current Treaty arrangements are generally viewed as not being adequate for the long-term functioning of an effective Union capable of meeting the challenges of the future.