Question:
105 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the posi tion regarding ratification of the Treaty of Nice and the admission of the applicant countries to the EU. [23725/01]
Other Questions. - Treaty of Nice.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:109 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of the discussions he has had with fellow EU Ministers regarding the issues outstanding following the rejection of the Treaty of Nice by the people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23888/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to discuss proposals or initiatives with his EU colleagues at forthcoming meetings, with particular reference to addressing the Government's position in the aftermath of the Nice treaty referendum; if he intends the proposed forum will address the outstanding issues to the satisfaction of his European colleagues and the Irish people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22223/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:201 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his preferred choice in regard to action following the rejection of the Nice treaty; if it is intended to seek a review of the treaty or make other constitutional provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24349/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:202 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with his European counterparts in regard to the issues arising from the rejection of the Nice treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24350/01]
I propose to take Questions
Nos. 105, 109, 176, 201 and 202 together.
I refer the Deputies to the answer I gave to Question No. 100.
What answer can the Minister give to our European colleagues when they ask about accession and integration as envisaged in the Nice treaty and about Ireland's plans to bring to a conclusion the discussion on the issues raised in the Nice treaty? What is the best way to proceed and to reassure them of our continued commitment to the European project?
Will the Minister clarify the position with regard to a second referendum on the Nice treaty? Various other government leaders talk about Ireland having a second referendum. Has a date been set or has there been a Government decision on this matter? Is it an assumption that is being made and what grounds are there for that assumption?
Given the defeat of the referendum, is the Minister considering putting to the people again a proposal within the framework of the Nice proposals or is he preparing an alternative proposal to that of Nice? Can such be accommodated within the framework of thinking among his European partners?
The European Council made it clear, subsequent to the Nice treaty referendum, that the text of the Nice treaty is not open for renegotiation but that it is anxious to assist the Irish Government in whatever way it ultimately decides to facilitate the enlargement of the European Union. In reply to Deputy Sargent, there is no formal Government decision to hold a second referendum—
It is an assumption.
—as I made clear when I met the Green Party. I congratulate the Deputy on his election to the leadership of that party.
We will not be prescriptive but will await the discussions at the forum. We do not expect it to achieve any artificial consensus on this matter but we do expect an open, transparent and informed debate on the issues of concern in the treaty in the context of the future of Europe and in the context of enlargement. No further decisions have been taken by Government. The only decision has been to establish the forum. The European Council has made it clear that it is not open to renegotiating the text of the treaty.
I acknowledge the sincere interest of Deputy Durkan, chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs, in this matter. I ask him to use his influence to persuade his party to participate in the forum. It could make a contribution to the forum's deliberations.
Written answers follow Adjournment Debate.