Gov't to further discuss Irish opt-out

Prague, March 13 (CTK) - The Czech government did not reach agreement yesterday on how parliament should vote on the protocol on the Irish opt-out from the Lisbon Treaty, Prime Minister Petr Necas said, adding that the decision will create a precedent and establish a constitutional habit.

That is why the government will further discuss the issue, he said.

It is not yet clear whether parliament should pass the protocol by a simple or constitutional (three-fifth) majority, which means that the government must agree on its constitutional-legal qualification.

The debate on the issue by experts and ministries has produced two legal opinions.

According to one opinion, that is also recommended by the Foreign Ministry, the protocol should be passed by a simple majority of deputies and senators present because it does not delegate Czech powers to the European level.

According to the other opinion, a constitutional majority (three fifths) of all deputies and three fifths of senators present is required because the protocol completes the EU founding treaties.

The Irish first rejected the Lisbon Treaty, adjusting the rules of the EU functioning in a referendum in 2008.

Only another referendum in October 2009 confirmed it after the EU members states, under the Czech presidency. pledged to provide Ireland with certain guarantees.

These include the preservation of Irish neutrality and sovereignty in the fields of taxes and abortion. The protocol is to take effect by end-June 2013 at the best.

The Czech government agreed with the protocol last May already, and then Czech president Vaclav Klaus also agreed with the Irish demands.

The opposition Social Democrats (CSSD), on the contrary, dismissed the opt-out and they could block it in the Senate where they have a majority.

That is why the government had to give up its plan under which parliament was to take a vote on the protocol together with Croatia's EU accession documents.

These were passed last summer and Croatia will join EU as from July 1.