Vol. 531 No. 3
115 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the perceived attack on our national sovereignty by the European Commission and ECOFIN in the context of the criticism of our budgetary policy, he will call for a "yes" vote in the inevitable referendum on the Nice Treaty. [5992/01]
Yesterday in Nice, I signed the Treaty of Nice, agreed by the Heads of State and Government of the European Union last December on behalf of Ireland and subject to ratification. The treaty will give effect to the institutional reforms necessary for enlargement to take place on schedule, while maintaining essential balances. As a country with a strong interest in the success of enlargement, and in an effectively functioning European Union, we wish to see the treaty come into oper ation, following ratification by each of the member states.
The question of whether ratification in this jurisdiction will require constitutional amendment, and therefore a referendum, is being actively considered, and a decision is expected shortly in the light of the relevant legal advice. In the event that a referendum is required, I am confident that the public will again renew their support for the European Union, and for the process of enlargement to admit the candidate countries.
