Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on the European summit held in Brussels last week. Like other Deputies, I wish the Government and its officials well in the remainder of the term of our Presidency of the EU.

One of the main issues concerning us now is the possible conclusion of negotiations on the European constitution. I heard the Taoiseach say earlier that we all need to compromise. He said that this is a collective process, that we must play our part and that compromises will have to be made. While I do not expect the Taoiseach to outline his complete negotiating position today, like many others I have some concerns about the compromises to which he refers. For example, will there be modifications or changes to our veto on foreign policy and justice matters? Will we consider qualified majority voting? Are we moving in a new direction in these areas?

I understand the need to share intelligence, increase security and co-operate with our neighbours in the EU, especially in the new climate of international terrorism. While I understand that this summit occurred in the shadow of events in Madrid, it should not have been unduly influenced by them. When speaking about the Middle East peace process, the Taoiseach said that those in the Middle East should look beyond the politics of the last atrocity. Equally, the future direction of European justice and foreign policy must be proactive rather than just reactive. I agree with Deputy Kenny. We do not need new powers but to make the maximum use of those already existing. For example, we need to activate the European arrest warrant.

On many occasions I have said that, in introducing a European constitution, we must not go too far ahead of our own people. I have some concerns when I hear about new compromises. Following two referendums, the people barely voted in favour of the Nice treaty. The prospect of further change, especially in sensitive areas such as justice and foreign affairs, will simply increase their unease. At a recent meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs, I was surprised to hear the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, refer to the Nice treaty as an interim arrangement. I never heard that phrase when the Government canvassed for a "yes" vote in the referendum on the treaty. Nobody mentioned an interim arrangement or a temporary little arrangement.

While I understand that leaders must lead, if the Government goes too far ahead of the people, the democratic deficit that we all talk about will widen and the centre will simply not hold. Europe — this grand vision — must be a Europe of peoples and not just an agreement between the Heads of State. If the proposed constitution further widens the distance between the people and the decisions taken in their name in sensitive areas like foreign affairs, taxation, criminal law, justice etc., I am not sure that the people will vote in its favour.

There is no point in negotiating a constitution that will be unacceptable to the people. While I do not wish to appear negative — indeed I am positively disposed towards the EU — I am simply putting down some markers because this is the message I get when discussing the issue with people. They feel they need some control over their destiny and, if the new constitution does not give such a sense of security, then the centre may not hold. I agree with Deputy Rabbitte on the work and resourcing of the National Forum on Europe which facilitates an exchange of information. The people will have the last word and will have to vote on the new constitution if it is agreed.

The Government and especially the Taoiseach have a serious responsibility to ensure that this new constitution does not include unacceptable compromises. I do not want to see us concluding negotiations sooner rather than later. I want to ensure the constitution is better rather than worse. I have already referred to my concerns about how the Government is prepared to concede on the vital issue of qualified majority voting. I have similar concerns that proposals on competitiveness emerging from the debate on the Lisbon agenda will result in too much focus on competitiveness and too little emphasis on social issues.

While we spoke about social cohesion, we also need regional cohesion. Many Irish people have looked to the EU to provide regional balance in the provision of Objective One and Cohesion funding, which have made a real contribution. Unfortunately, this has not been followed up by the Government. I urge the Taoiseach to look to home as well as abroad and to recognise that regional cohesion is a national responsibility which is not being honoured by the Government.

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