Oireachtas backs Lisbon referendum Bill

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Oireachtas backs Lisbon referendum Bill

The 28^{th Amendment to the Constitution (Treaty of Lisbon) Bill 2009 passed all stages in the Dáil and Seanad this evening, paving the way for a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty on Friday, 2 October.}

Welcoming the passage of the referendum Bill, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D., said:

"The Treaty gives citizens and national parliaments a bigger say in the running of the European Union. Passing the Treaty is crucial for us in terms of job creation and renewed prosperity. The Treaty will give Europe the tools we need for economic recovery. The overwhelming majority of TDs and Senators recognise this and have endorsed the Government’s decision to call a referendum."

Note for Editors:

Details of the 28th Amendment to the Constitution (Treaty of Lisbon) Bill 2009 and of the Lisbon Treaty (including the new explanatory White Paper) are available at ^{www.lisbontreaty.ie}

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9 July 2009

Press Office