Government takes final step in ratifying Lisbon

The Government has taken the final step in ratifying the Lisbon Treaty.

Minister of State Dick Roche has formally deposited the instrument of ratification for the treaty with the Italian Government in Rome.

The ceremony has marked the conclusion of a process that began in December 2000 with a declaration from the European Council on the future of the European Union.

While the treaty was rejected in a referendum last year it was subsequently endorsed by a two to one majority in this month's referendum.