To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the Irish Government on Ireland's ratification of the treaty of Lisbon; and if he will make a statement. (276973)

The Irish Government updated partners in Brussels on their views on preparing the June European Council discussion during the course of the week beginning 25 May 2009. My right hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint), the then Minister for Europe, wrote on 5 June 2009 to the chairs of European Scrutiny Committee and the Lords EU Select Committee updating them on these discussions. Copies of this letter will be placed in the Library of the House.