61 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Finance the process of consultations, if any, which is taking place with national interests prior to Ireland entering economic and monetary union, provided that we continue to meet the required economic criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20495/96]

The Treaty on European Union, which sets out the provisions relating to economic and monetary union, was the subject of a referendum in Ireland in 1992 and was endorsed by a substantial majority of those who voted. A White Paper on the Treaty, which included a chapter on economic and monetary union, was published in advance of the referendum.

In addition, earlier this year I wrote to the chairman of the Dáil Select Committee on Finance and General Affairs and offered to make a presentation to the committee about economic and monetary union; my offer was accepted and the committee held a hearing on economic and monetary union on 7 and 8 March. The committee has since heard other presentations on economic and monetary union. I have continued to ensure that economic and monetary union is the subject of frequent ministerial speeches; these naturally generate feedback which I am careful to note.

Also, earlier this year I commissioned, on behalf of the Government, an independent study of the economic implications for Ireland of economic and monetary union. This study was carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute which published its report in July. Copies of the ESRI report have been widely disseminated and the report has been the subject of substantial debate which I continue to follow with interest.