Government Statement in response to French Referendum

The Government very much regrets the outcome of the French referendum on the European Constitution.   At the same time, we fully respect the democratic right of the French people to make their own decision, just as we respect the decisions of those other Member States which have already ratified.  The situation is complex and it is important that the Union should move forward in a considered and united way.  We look forward to a full discussion at the European Council on 16/17 June.   

For our part, the Government is continuing to prepare for ratification of the European Constitution by the target date of November 2006.  We have recently published the Referendum Bill and look forward to the start of debate in the Oireachtas.  The Referendum Commission will shortly be established and the Government will soon be publishing a full White Paper to help inform the public.

The Government remains firmly of the view that the European Constitution is strongly in Ireland's interest and in that of the European Union as a whole.