EU denies it will seek Dáil approval if Nice Treaty fails

THE Government and the European Commission denied yesterday that the Dáil would have to back EU enlargement if the Nice Treaty is rejected again.

No basis existed for the reports suggesting the EU would call for a Dáil declaration clearing enlargement if Ireland voted No again on October 19, a Commission spokesman said.

Junior Health Minister Brian Lenihan said an interpretation by the Dáil of a second Nice rejection could not and will not happen.