Irish guarantees over Lisbon treaty top of agenda

Date: 18 June 2009
Source: Irish Daily Star

Writing in the Irish Daily Star, parliament president Hans-Gert Pöttering says that finding an answer to Ireland's Lisbon treaty concerns must be top of the agenda at the two day European summit. Pöttering said:

"It is now one year since the Irish people rejected the Lisbon Treaty. This was a disappointment to the European Parliament as we strongly support the Lisbon Treaty and believe it makes the EU more democratic, more accountable, and better-equipped to face the global challenges of the 21st Century.

Commenting on the deal agreed at December's European summit which should see Ireland hold a second referendum on the treaty later this year, Pöttering said:

"It is vital that EU leaders at today's [Thursday, 18 June] Summit agree unanimously to meet Ireland's concerns in four key areas.

"Firstly, it should be clear that the Irish Constitution takes precedence on the right to life, the family and education. Secondly, it should be clarified that the Lisbon Treaty does not take any power from Ireland on taxation matters. Thirdly, Ireland must be reassured that her traditional neutrality will not be touched by the treaty.

"These Irish guarantees must become part of EU law at the earliest available opportunity. At this time of economic crisis – which has hit Ireland particularly strongly – it is important to underline the EU's commitment to what the Lisbon Treaty calls the "social market economy", which aims at full employment and combats social exclusion.

"We are not in favour of raw capitalism, but of a system grounded in human dignity where markets are at the service of people. This summit is crucial for Ireland, but also for the whole EU.

"By agreeing this comprehensive deal to meet Irish concerns, the EU can demonstrate its commitment to keep all its members on board and move forward as a unified force to face the challenges ahead."

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