Constitutional Amendments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2012

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Questions (86)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

126 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in the event that a referendum on the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union does not take place, he intends to have the treaty ratified in advance of the passing of enabling legislation through the Oireachtas, such as the fiscal responsibility Bill, or if ratification would only take place after the enabling legislation is signed into law by the President; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7999/12]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

As the Deputy will be aware, following agreement on the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union at the informal meeting of the European Council on 30 January, and a subsequent meeting of the Government, I sought the views of the Attorney General formally on what will be required by way of ratification in Ireland. The Attorney General is now studying the legal implications carefully, and will, in due course, deliver her advice.

Once her advice is received, the Government will consider it and will take whatever steps are necessary. It is not helpful to speculate at this point on what those steps might be.

The Deputy can be assured that whatever path towards ratification is required, the Oireachtas will be appropriately involved in the process.