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Referendum Information

The Irish electorate is being asked to decide whether or not to change the Constitution to:

• allow Ireland to ratify the Treaty of Lisbon;
• allow Ireland to agree to certain decisions in the area of Freedom, Security and Justice in future with the approval of the Dáil and Seanad;
• allow Ireland to agree at the European Council to certain changes in the EU treaties; these changes may require a referendum or require the approval of the Dáil and Seanad;
• continue the present arrangements for Ireland’s military neutrality.

Who can vote?
You are entitled to vote in the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty if
• you are an Irish citizen and
• you are aged 18 or over and
• you are living in Ireland and
• you are on the Electoral Register

What Happens if the country votes YES?
If a majority of the voters vote “yes” then the Constitution of Ireland will be changed and Ireland will ratify the Treaty. If all the other EU Member States also ratify the Treaty, then it will come into effect. The Member States have stated their intention to bring the Treaty into effect in January 2009 if possible.

What Happens if the country votes NO?
If a majority of the voters vote “no” then the Constitution will not be changed and Ireland may not ratify the Treaty. The Treaty will come into effect only if it is ratified by all Member States. The EU would continue to operate under its present rules.