National Declaration of Ireland

HL Deb 10 July 2002 vol 637 cc89-90WA

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

With reference to the Declaration of the European Council responding to the National Declaration of Ireland, made at Seville on 21–22 June, whether they consider that "the people of Ireland" referred to by the Government of the Republic of Ireland includes those who live in Northern Ireland. [HL5010]

The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)

No. The Declaration of the European Council responding to the National Declaration of Ireland, made at Seville on 21 and 22 June 2002, refers to those people of Ireland who will be eligible to vote in a referendum to decide whether Ireland should ratify the Treaty of Nice. Electoral eligibility in Ireland is a matter for the Government of Ireland. I understand that every citizen of Ireland ordinarily resident in that state who is at least 18 years of age and whose name is entered in the register of electors is entitled to vote at a referendum.