Irish Government must learn the lessons of Lisbon II ahead of Fiscal Treaty vote – Cope

Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP today welcomed the decision by the European Parliament in Strasbourg to adopt the protocol on the concerns of the Irish people in relation to the Treaty of Lisbon.

The protocol is a separate legal instrument covering issues including the right to life, family and education, taxation and security and defence.

“I warmly welcome the outcome of today’s vote on the Irish protocol. The protocol clearly states that the provisions within the Irish constitution on the right to life and family are not affected by the Lisbon Treaty.”

“The protocol recognises the competence of Member States concerning taxation. This is important due to the ongoing debate on corporation tax matters. Furthermore, Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality is protected by the protocol.”

However, Mr. Gallagher warned the Irish Government that they must take onboard the lessons of recent referenda ahead of the vote on the Fiscal Compact Treaty on 31 May.

Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP said “the approach by the Government to the Oireachtas inquiries refererendum for example was a fiasco from start to finish. It is extremely worrying that the Referendum Commission was provided with an “inadequate” time frame to explain the pro’s and con’s of the proposed constitutional change involving the Oireachtas.”

“I spoke yesterday evening in the European Parliament in favour of the Fiscal Compact Treaty as I believe that the ratification of the Treaty is a key building block for economic recovery in Ireland and within the Eurozone.”

“It is vitally important that the purpose of the Fiscal Compact Treaty is explained to the Irish people in a clear and timely manner.”