THE GOVERNMENT has taken no decision on a second Lisbon Treaty referendum, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said in the Dáil.
He said the Government was providing colleagues, counterparts, governments and institutions in the EU with information gleaned from the survey on why people voted Yes and No in the last referendum.
"Our task is to engage in this exercise with them between now and December. On the basis of the outcome of that exercise, we will determine how to proceed from there," said Mr Cowen.
"Obviously, it is the hope of the Government and the other 26 member states to be able to indicate a pathway forward and the elements to move the issue forward."
Replying to a series of Opposition questions, Mr Cowen said they only knew on thing: 26 states did not wish to revert to their parliaments for re-ratification of the treaty.
"It is also obvious that unless all 27 states ratify the treaty it will not come into force," the Taoiseach added.
"The dilemma is how to act in solidarity with colleagues and other member states while respecting the decision we came to."
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said it was of great concern to the people that they had exercised their democratic right and had expressed their will in the course of a properly constituted referendum.
"They have given their answer. The Irish electorate expects the Taoiseach and Government to represent its views in Europe and not to kowtow to what is clearly a bullying exercise on the part of other parliamentary interests across the EU," Mr Ó Caoláin said.
He added that people were looking on in incredulity at the Government's failure to respect democratic wishes.
Declaring that he fundamentally disagreed with Mr Ó Caoláin, Mr Cowen said that the decision of the Irish people was being respected and the Lisbon Treaty could not be ratified without the agreement of all member states, including the Irish people, in the matter.
He added that the option of renegotiation was not available.
