Minister of State for European Affairs Dick Roche has accused opponents of the Lisbon Treaty of "misrepresenting" its provisions by claiming it allows for future expansion of the EU's powers without the need for referendums.
Libertas, a think-tank opposed to the treaty, argues that a number of clauses make the treaty self-amending in that they enable the European Council to extend the areas in which the union can legislate by majority vote, without the need for a new treaty, and therefore without the need for referendums in Ireland or elsewhere.
In response, Mr Roche said yesterday: "Any proposed future change which confers new powers on the union will need to be ratified by all member states in accordance with the constitutional requirements of individual countries.
"In addition, in those areas where the treaty provides for moving some policy areas from unanimity to majority voting or for extending the powers of the European Parliament to participate in the legislative process, there are effective veto rights for member states and national parliaments."
Because any such changes would require a unanimous decision of the European Council, with each national government having a veto, there was an effective "double-lock" in place.
He added that the procedure was intended to cover cases where minor adjustments are necessary, and where all member states and all 27 national parliaments were in agreement.
Libertas believes that if the Lisbon Treaty is passed, there will be no need for the EU to consult the Irish people on future extensions of its remit.
"Article 48 is a devious self-amending clause that allows the European political elite to avoid the necessity for further referenda. This is profoundly undemocratic and signing this treaty is like signing a blank cheque," according to one of its founders, businessman Declan Ganley.
Mr Roche said it was "simply unacceptable" that opponents "continue to misrepresent the central content of the EU reform treaty and seek to mislead the Irish people".
