Minister for Foreign Affairs meets Czech Deputy Prime Minister Vondra

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Minister for Foreign Affairs meets Czech Deputy Prime Minister Vondra

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin T.D., today met the Czech Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, Alexandr Vondra, in Cork, where they discussed issues relating to the Lisbon Treaty, the EU’s economic situation in the context of the global economic crisis, and transatlantic relations.

"I am delighted to have this opportunity to welcome Deputy Prime Minister Vondra to Cork. We had fruitful discussions on a series of vital issues for the EU and for Ireland. I renewed our commitment to supporting the Czech Republic as they provide leadership to the EU at this critical time when there are so many major challenges to be faced.

"Today’s meeting provided a valuable opportunity to take stock of progress on finalising the package of legal guarantees for Ireland on the Lisbon Treaty to which EU leaders committed themselves at the December meeting of the European Council. The Czech Presidency is playing a central role in taking this important work forward, and I thanked Deputy Prime Minister Vondra for his continuing efforts in this regard.

"It is very much in Ireland’s national interest, particularly in the current economic climate, that there should be no doubt whatsoever about our commitment to remaining at the heart of Europe. The Government is absolutely convinced that it is vital that any uncertainty in this regard be removed.

"The Government will spare no effort to ensure that the concerns of the Irish people on Lisbon are fully addressed. Deputy Prime Minister Vondra has assured me that the Czech Presidency stands fully behind us on this. I look forward to working closely with him as we seek to finalise this vital package, which will address the most significant concerns that emerged during last year’s referendum campaign."Note for the editor

Alexandr Vondra, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs of the Czech Republic, is visiting Ireland ahead of the February General Affairs and External Relations Council. The Czech Republic currently holds the Presidency of the European Council.

During his visit, Mr Vondra will meet the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, T.D., and the Minister of State for European Affairs, Dick Roche, T.D.

Over the coming months the Government will be working with the other Member States of the EU and the EU institutions, to give legal form to a package of decisions taken by the European Council in December to meet the concerns of the Irish people in respect of the Treaty of Lisbon.

These include the right of each Member State to nominate a Commissioner and guarantees of Ireland’s right to take its own decisions and make its own laws in relation to taxation, defence and certain provisions of our Constitution on the right to life, education and family. The European Council also agreed to confirm the high importance the EU attaches to issues including workers’ rights and social services.

These elements, when finalised, will represent a comprehensive package of measures specifically designed to address the key concerns of the Irish electorate in relation to the Lisbon Treaty.

The conclusions of the December European Council state that work on the guarantees should be concluded no later than mid-2009. If the Government are fully satisfied with the outcome of this work, it will seek ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, by way of a further referendum before the end of the term of the current Commission, which is due to leave office at the end of October.

No decision can be taken on the timing of any referendum until the commitments made by the European Council have been delivered upon to the Government’s full satisfaction.

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Press Office

13 February 2009