John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

Will the Taoiseach agree that the Irish Presidency is, in many ways, proof that the rotating presidency works? That being the case, why are we now scrapping it? In many cases, the smaller countries have done more than the larger ones, as is often the case in the European Union.

On the ratification process of the new constitution, how will we proceed from here on in? We know that in terms of the first Nice treaty Ireland was the first country to attempt ratification. Perhaps, that was seen in retrospect by this Government as a tactical error. In terms of the second Nice treaty, Ireland was the final country to ratify, something which put people under enormous pressure. How now does the Taoiseach propose to proceed with the ratification of the European constitution? Will there be a breathing space of two years? Where will Ireland come in terms of the ratification process?

On the solidarity clause, why is it — I referred to this in my contribution — that the Taoiseach did not insist on the clear and unambiguous Irish wording as put forward at the convention? It clearly stated that any prevention of a terrorist attack could only take place on the territory of the European Union. Why was the Irish performance on the EURATOM Treaty and, in particular, the protocol, so poor? Here, I must be critical because Sellafield is a real threat to this country. So many Irish people are concerned about it yet I have not seen the type of action required on the protocol. We should insist that no protocol is attached to the treaty and should insist on a sunset clause. I would like clarification from the Taoiseach on that point.

Does the idea of a European-wide referendum not make sense in the context of a new European constitution which should be about the citizens of Europe? While it may be argued that certain member states make no provision for referenda, at the very least we could have consultative referenda in countries to identify where the people of Europe stand on this issue. After all, the Laeken declaration referred to bringing Europe closer to the people. Does the Taoiseach believe, when he looks at the figures from the euro-barometer studies which show that only 30% of people knew that a convention had taken place, that we have succeeded in bringing Europe closer to the people?

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