Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 3

Written Answers. - EU Constitution.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

79 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will seek the inclusion in the new EU constitution of all the Irish protocols attached to the current EU treaties; if he is seeking to attach additional protocols to the new constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25598/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

In addition to its consideration of the draft constitutional treaty prepared by the European Convention, the Intergovernmental Conference is also considering the status of those protocols currently attached to the existing EU treaties. Ireland has indicated that it wishes to ensure that the protocol on the application of Article 40.3.3 of Bunreacht na hÉireann, which was attached to the Maastricht Treaty, is attached to the new constitutional treaty.

It also wishes to ensure that the protocols which have a bearing on the common travel area with the United Kingdom – the protocol on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in relation to border checks, asylum and immigration and civil judicial co-operation and the protocol on the exercise of controls on persons crossing the internal frontiers between the United Kingdom or Ireland and the other member states – are carried over. The protocol integrating the Schengenacquis, some provisions of which make particular reference to Ireland, is also being considered.