Bid to iron out Lisbon guarantees

IRISH officials are holding bilateral meetings over the weekend with representatives from other EU member states to iron out any difficulties over the Lisbon Treaty guarantees.

The guarantees – on neutrality, ethical issues including abortion, tax rates and social issues including workers rights – will be added to the rerun of the Lisbon vote later this year.

The leaders of the other EU member states agreed last December to the other commitment to Ireland – that every country retains its Commissioner. However, this can only apply if the Lisbon Treaty comes into force.