Taoiseach Bertie Ahern repeated that the Government has no plans to hold a referendum on the EU constitution during the lifetime of the current Dáil. But he said the Government remained committed to ratifying the constitution.
"However, following the discussion at the European Council, we will not, at this stage, set a date for the referendum or progress the referendum Bill," he added. "We will, however, continue to prepare for a referendum and will use the period of reflection to intensify our engagement with the EU constitution and Europe in general."
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny asked if the Taoiseach believed a referendum on some form or elements of the draft EU constitution would be put to the electorate in the Government's lifetime.
Mr Ahern said his assessment was that nothing would happen in the short-term at EU level. "The British government, which is not comfortable with holding a referendum on this issue, will not force the issue during its presidency," he added. "It will be next summer before any progress is made.. . "
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte asked if there were any constitutional proposals regarding a right of audience being given by the Oireachtas to elected representatives in Northern Ireland.
Mr Ahern said there was an all-party committee report on the matter, adding that he had undertaken to ask party leaders to see if its recommendations could be implemented.
"It is not envisaged that members will have rights of audience in this House. But. . . it would make sense, in line with the all-party committee recommendation, to examine the basis of discussion at committees of the House when discussing either North-South reports, which we produce every year, updates on the Good Friday agreement, or other relevant all-Ireland issues concerning economic and energy issues," the Taoiseach said.
