Passing of Lisbon Treaty 'vital'

PASSING THE Lisbon Treaty referendum in the autumn is “vital for the future of the country”, particularly in the current economic climate, Taoiseach Brian Cowen has told the Dáil.

Mr Cowen said he was confident Ireland would get the assurances the Government is seeking at a EU summit in Brussels on binding guarantees at issue in the defeated treaty referendum last year. “The guarantees are intended to provide reassurance to people.”

Mr Cowen told Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin that “I intend to win the next referendum campaign”.

He added that “we will all do it. That is the whole approach we are taking to this issue of national importance, which goes beyond party politics. It is vital for the future of this country, particularly in the circumstances in which we currently find ourselves. Anyone who has a cursory understanding and knowledge of our economic situation will be aware of the role the EU institutions have played over the past six months.”

Sinn Féin was the only party in the Dáil to oppose the last referendum, and Mr Ó Caoláin said it had been reported that even if the “so-called legal guarantees” were agreed at the EU summit “they would not have legal status and would not come into effect until the next EU treaty”.

However, Mr Cowen insisted the agreement “will have legal effect”. Once agreed by the heads of government and state at the European Council “our guarantees will be legally binding and constitute an international agreement lodged with the United Nations”.

He added that “we will make it clear that the current situation with respect to our national position on taxation, neutrality and ethical issues will be unchanged by virtue of the entering into force of the Lisbon Treaty.”

Asked by Fine Gael foreign affairs spokesman Billy Timmins about legislation concerning Ireland’s participation in the European Defence Agency, Mr Cowen said that “as part of the process of giving reassurances to those who voted No to Lisbon because of concerns relating to the maintenance of our neutrality and fears of European militarisation, the Government has decided to set out the parameters of our membership of the agency in legislation.”

He said “Ireland will only participate in those projects that benefit and support our ability to provide peace support under the UN mandate, which is the current position of the Army”. The legislation would require both Cabinet and Dáil approval similar to other foreign policy engagements.