The Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny T.D. has welcomed the decision of the European Council to approve the guarantees that were promised to Ireland last December.

“These guarantees clear up the main issues that led to public confusion and concern during last year’s Lisbon Treaty referendum. I want to thank in particular the leaders of the European People’s Party whom I met yesterday and who have been very supportive of Ireland being given these assurances.

“The Government must now set out a clear timetable for this treaty to be put to the Irish people. While some opinion polls have suggested that there is growing support for the Treaty, there is no room for complacency. It is essential that the Irish people are fully informed and reassured before they go to vote on this critical issue for the country’s future.

“Fine Gael has put forward a series of constructive initiatives aimed at improving public support for the European project and I urge the Government to adopt them.

“As I stated yesterday, Fine Gael will put the country first in campaigning strongly for the approval of this treaty, the main objective of which will be the creation of a more effective, accountable and democratic European Union. I firmly believe that Ireland’s best interests lie at the heart of that Union.”