Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - Treaty of Nice.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

66 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has analysed the reasons for the rejection of the Treaty of Nice by the electorate; if he has informed his EU colleagues of his conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19701/01]

John Bruton

Ceist:

69 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is the Government's intention to resubmit the Treaty of Nice to the people for possible ratification in a referendum before the deadline for ratification of the treaty has expired. [20577/01]

John Bruton

Ceist:

70 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the logistical, financial, timetabling and administrative arrangements for the proposed forum on Europe; and the way in which, when and by whom its terms of reference will be drawn up. [20578/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 69 and 70 together.

As I have stated on previous occasions in the House, the Government is continuing to reflect on the outcome of the Nice treaty referendum, and the various concerns expressed during the course of the campaign before deciding on the way forward. Many of these concerns evidently related to issues which are not covered by the Treaty of Nice itself, but to the wider perspective of our relationship with the Union in the longer-term. In preparation for the debate on the future of Europe and as part of this broad process of reflection, the Government has announced that a national forum on Europe will be established. The forum will provide an opportunity for wide-ranging discussion of Ireland's role in the Union in the context of the Union's expected enlargement.

The Government will shortly consult with the Opposition regarding the forum's terms of reference, its composition, and method of operation. The Government recognises that the successful experience of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation is widely seen as a useful model in this regard. It is hoped that agreement can be reached on these matters before the end of this month, with the forum operational by early autumn.

The Government has availed of appropriate opportunities to brief our partners on the situation following the referendum, and on the path which the Government proposes to follow. The other member states have expressed their respect for the decision of the Irish people, while also reiterating their conviction that the Treaty of Nice remains essential for enlargement. They have emphasised their readiness to help in any possible way to find a way forward, without reopening the text of the Nice treaty.