14. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on prospects for institutional change in the European Union; and if he will make a statement. (282702)

The December 2007 European Council conclusions stated that the Lisbon Treaty would mark the end of institutional debate. Heads of governments attending said:

“The Lisbon Treaty provides the Union with a stable and lasting institutional framework. We expect no change in the foreseeable future.”

The June 2009 European Council provided the assurances that Ireland needed to move forward on the Lisbon Treaty. The Irish government have said that there will be a second referendum in October 2009.