Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2005
12 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland is eligible to join the EU constitution’s new permanent structured co-operation in view of the fact that the states involved must have military capabilities which fulfil high criteria and have made binding commitments to one another in the military area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17555/05]
View answerThe EU constitution puts in place a new arrangement, known as permanent structured co-operation, to enable those member states wishing to do so to commit to being able to undertake the most demanding crisis management missions. Structured co-operation is open to all member states, on the condition that they undertake to enhance their defence capacities through the development of national contributions and subject to participation in a number of areas specified in the constitution. It does not allow for or involve any mutual defence commitment, or any binding commitment to deploy troops in any specific operation. Neither does it allow for the participants in structured cooperation to mount missions on behalf of the EU other than with the approval of the Council as a whole, acting unanimously.
Member states can indicate their decision to take part in structured co-operation once the constitution comes into force. Alternatively, member states which decide not to participate immediately can decide to do so at a later date, providing they meet the criteria outlined. Decision-making procedures in relation to structured cooperation are set out in the EU constitution. These provide that decisions will be taken by unanimity among the states participating in permanent structured co-operation. The detailed arrangements for the implementation of structured co-operation have yet to be elaborated.
As the EU constitution provides that permanent structured cooperation will operate on an opt-in basis there is accordingly no obligation for Ireland to take part. The question would not arise to be decided until after the entry into force of the EU constitution. The Government will take a decision on whether or not Ireland should participate in structured cooperation in due course, once it becomes clear as to precisely what commitments are involved.
13 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the upcoming referendum on the EU constitution in Denmark. [18580/05]
View answer22 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the Referendum Commission will be established in respect of the Twenty-eighth amendment of the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18585/05]
View answer28 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the upcoming referendum on the EU constitution in the Netherlands. [18578/05]
View answer31 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the referendum on the EU constitution will be held in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18598/05]
View answer35 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent EU referendums in France and the Netherlands; the implications for the future of the EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18640/05]
View answer39 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the date for the referendum on the EU constitution here will be announced; and ifhe will make a statement on the matter. [18582/05]
View answer43 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had, the briefings he has given and the meetings he has held with party leaders in the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to the proposed EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16175/05]
View answer57 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the result of the French referendum on the EU constitution, and its implications. [18638/05]
View answer60 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken to enhance public knowledge of the new EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18612/05]
View answer93 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent referendum on the EU constitution in France. [18576/05]
View answer152 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the implications for Ireland’s EU constitution referendum following the outcome of the referendums held in France and the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18371/05]
View answer158 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will hold a referendum on the EU constitution before or after the next general election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18846/05]
View answer159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the recent rejection by France of the EU constitution has implications for Ireland’s proposals to ratify the constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18847/05]
View answer160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in the wake of France’s rejection of the EU constitution with a view to addressing the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18848/05]
View answer165 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals to address the issues arising from the rejection by France of the EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18853/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 22, 28, 31, 35, 39, 43, 57, 60, 93, 152, 158 to 160, inclusive, and 165 together.
As regards the Government's overall reaction to the outcome of the French and Dutch referendums on the EU constitution, I refer Deputies to the response to Priority Questions Nos. 2 and 4. The question of a referendum in Denmark is for the Danish people and their Government. The referendum is scheduled for 27 September. The indications are that it is the current intention of the Danish Government to proceed.
In regard to the timing of the Irish referendum, no date has yet been set. We are continuing to make the preparations necessary to allow for ratification by the target date of November 2006. The publication last week of the Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill was an important step in this regard.
In advance of the finalisation of the Bill, the Government consulted with those parties which had indicated clear support for the EU constitution and reached a broad consensus with them. On the day of the Bill's publication, last Thursday, I briefed the Green Party and organised an official level briefing for Sinn Féin.
Under the Referendum Acts, the publication of the Bill allows for the establishment of the Referendum Commission through an order made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Government has made clear that the Referendum Commission will have the time and resources necessary to carry out its tasks, which include informing the public on the subject matter of a referendum and encouraging voter turnout.
In addition, the Government, and others, have been making strenuous efforts to publicise and explain the EU constitution. The National Forum on Europe has had a very busy schedule of meetings in recent months, including several meetings outside Dublin. Both the Government and the forum published initial explanatory material on the EU constitution last autumn. My Department has since then launched a dedicated website on the EU constitution and the Government has prepared a comprehensive White Paper which will be ready for publication shortly. We would also intend to circulate summary information material to every household.
