Written answers

Wednesday, 27 May 2009

Department of Foreign Affairs

Lisbon Treaty Referendum

9:00 pm

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for ratifying the Lisbon Treaty; the schedule and timescale of events leading up to the referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21737/09]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The December European Council agreed to a package of measures to respond to the Irish people's concerns as outlined by the Taoiseach. Specifically, the European Council agreed that, provided the Treaty of Lisbon enters into force, each Member State will continue to have the right to nominate a Commissioner. It also agreed that legal guarantees will be given to Ireland in the areas of taxation, defence and the provisions of the Constitution on the right to life, education and family. It further agreed that the high importance the EU attaches to social issues, including workers' rights, will be confirmed.

Detailed work is now underway to give effect to these commitments. In accordance with the December European Council's Conclusions, this work should be finalised at the June European Council. If the Government is fully satisfied with the outcome of this work, we are committed to seeking ratification of the Treaty by the end of the term of the current Commission, which is expected to leave office at the end of October. Our work is being taken forward at a number of different levels with our EU partners and with the EU institutions. Throughout, we are stressing the need for legally robust guarantees. As recent events have underscored, the European Union remains key to the promotion and protection of Ireland's national interest. The Government attaches the utmost priority to ensuring that Ireland remains at the heart of the Union.

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