Transfer of powers an issue for Oireachtas

FOREIGN Minister Micheál Martin’s letter headlined ‘EU treaties do not have a life of their own’ (July 11) is unclear.

It might be understood from his letter that a referendum will be required post-Lisbon if Ireland decides to give up a veto and transfer any additional competence to the EU.

The position is that Ireland could agree at the EU Council to transfer more competence to the EU. This could only be done with the prior approval of the Oireachtas.