§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the result of the Irish referendum and its implications for the EU. [77368]
§ Mr. MacshaneI am very pleased that the Irish people voted in favour of the Treaty of Nice. Nice is necessary for enlargement to take place smoothly by 2004. Enlargement is essential for European stability, security and prosperity. However, important and difficult negotiations lie ahead between now and the Copenhagen European Council in December.