Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2004
41 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the outcome of the EU constitutional treaty negotiations; and if he will specify all instances where the outcome fell short of Irish demands. [18867/04]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, agreement was reached by EU Heads of State or Government on the constitutional treaty on 18 June. It is a particular honour for Ireland that it was possible to do so in the course of our Presidency of the European Union. The constitutional treaty represents a compromise agreement between 25 sovereign member states and builds on the excellent work of the convention to ensure that the Union enhances its capacity to act effectively and meet the demands and expectations of its citizens. Reaching such a compromise required that the key concerns of all member states were listened to and accommodated as far as possible.
Before the IGC, the Government indicated its broad satisfaction with the convention draft while making clear that a few key issues needed to be addressed further. These were the retention of unanimity in regard to all taxation matters; the maintenance of appropriate safeguards in the area of criminal law and ensuring that the Union would be equipped to play a more effective role internationally, while also guaranteeing that Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality was fully protected. On all three issues, we are fully satisfied with the outcome. The constitutional treaty sets out a balanced institutional framework which respects the rights of all member states, large and small.
