Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004
210 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the talks dealing with a new EU constitutional treaty; if this will lead eventually to a united states of Europe; and the effect this will have on the Irish Constitution. [10443/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position regarding the negotiations on the new constitutional treaty was set out in detail in Deputy Kitt's reply to Priority Question No. 5 of 31 March 2004. The European Council at its meeting on 25 and 26 March decided that agreement on the treaty should be reached no later than the June European Council.
The constitutional treaty does not aim to create and will not result in the creation of a united states of Europe. A proposal to rename the European Union in this way received no support at the Convention. The constitutional treaty will make clear that all of the Union's competences are bestowed upon it by the member states, and it does not provide for a significant transfer of new competences to the Union. The draft states that:
The Union shall respect the national identities of the Member States, inherent in their fundamental structures, political and constitutional, inclusive of regional and local self-government. It shall respect their essential state functions, including those for ensuring the territorial integrity of the State, and for maintaining law and order and safeguarding internal security.
In addition, the principles of subsidiarity and of proportionality are being strengthened, with a greater role for national parliaments.
In the event that negotiations on the constitutional treaty are successfully concluded, it is likely that an amendment to Bunreacht na hÉireann will be required to allow for its ratification by Ireland, as has been the case with previous EU treaties. However, the scope and authority of the Irish Constitution will not otherwise be affected by the entry into force of the constitutional treaty.
