Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

Gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí uilig a ghlac páirt sa díospóireacht an-tábhachtach seo. I reiterate that the purpose of this Bill is to allow for the completion of the fifth enlargement by providing for the accession of Bulgaria and Romania into the European Union. It was gratifying to encounter such strong support for the accession of both Bulgaria and Romania when the Second Stage debate commenced on 10 May. Fittingly, support for this latest phase of EU enlargement came from all sides of this Chamber and on behalf of the Government I thank the many Deputies who spoke positively in favour of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania into the EU.

This strong backing for Bulgarian and Romanian membership was reinforced last week when the Select Committee on European Affairs discussed a motion to approve the terms of the accession treaty. The motion was passed by this House yesterday. Our ratification legislation must be passed soon, regardless of the date of accession of Bulgaria and Romania. Under the terms of the accession treaty we are required to ratify it before the end of this year. While we hope the earlier accession date of 1 January 2007 will prove possible, we must follow the established procedures, which require the date to be set out following a recommendation from the European Commission.

On 16 May the EU Enlargement Commissioner, Mr. Ollie Rehn, presented the European Commission's comprehensive monitoring reports to the European Parliament. He announced that the Commission's final recommendation on the dates of accession will not be made until this autumn. While the European Commission's report about these two countries' preparedness for membership was less positive than might have been hoped, the delay in confirming the date of accession will maximise the incentive for reform in both countries in the coming months.

Like the European Commission, we have been greatly encouraged by both countries' progress to date and I hope both Bulgaria and Romania can go the extra mile in addressing the remaining issues so that they can join the European Union on 1 January 2007. Both counties will enjoy Ireland's continued support in their efforts to do so and will also have the support of the European Commission as confirmed today at the National Forum on Europe meeting in Dublin Castle by the Secretary General of the European Commission, Ms Catherine Day.

Since this debate opened on 10 May a further three member states have informed the Council of their accession ratification. This means that 17 member states have ratified the accession treaty for Bulgaria and Romania. It will be important for Ireland to keep pace with other member states in ratifying the treaty and I hope this Bill can be passed during this summer session allowing for our formal ratification to be completed in the autumn.

The question of the free movement of workers was raised a number of times during this debate and at the Select Committee on European Affairs last week. Nothing in this Bill relates to the free movement issue, which is a different matter and will be dealt with separately. On 3 May the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, announced that he will propose an amendment to the Employment Permits Bill 2005. This will be an enabling provision to empower the Minister, by regulation, to permit unhindered access or to continue to require Bulgarian and Romanian nationals to have work permits here. This provision will allow the Government to make a decision on labour market access later this year after taking account of all relevant issues, including the prevailing labour market conditions in Ireland and the intentions of other member states. This has been stressed by the Taoiseach on a number of occasions recently.

The EU's continued development is vital to Ireland. The success of enlargement will shape the future of Europe. All enlargements to date have worked well, strengthening the European Union and contributing to its continued development. The 2004 enlargement was the biggest in the EU's history and the new member states are settling in well. The pessimists have been confounded again as the EU is making a success of the most recent enlargement, notwithstanding its unprecedented scale and ambition. Concerns have been expressed around Europe about further enlargement. These are understandable given the rapid changes that have transformed Europe in the past decade and more.

It is important to remember that these great changes have been positive. The healing of Europe's past divisions has helped make the Continent more stable and secure than it was during the Cold War. There are problems that must be dealt with, such as the need to curb the horrendous practice of human trafficking. A Europe united behind shared values and common aspirations is better placed to confront such problems. It would not be possible to confront human trafficking on a single state basis. EU policies, initiatives and a trans-frontier attitude are critical to ensure working together through the Commission and the EU to confront this terrible situation. It is imperative the EU enlargement policy enjoys popular approval. It is important to communicate a positive message about the fifth enlargement and help assuage natural apprehensions.

Deputy Harkin and others referred to questions submitted by members of the public on Europe Day. These questions raised important issues, will shape our approach to enlargement and will be replied to in writing. Deputy Boyle stated the Green Party is not eurosceptic but he derides the EU as a monolithic entity. He is negative towards the EU constitution, the most democratic treaty proposal in history, giving power to the citizens and the people.

Our position on the EU constitution is well known. Now is not the time for institutional wrangling. The constitution is the best achievable deal, a finely balanced package disturbance of which risks destabilisation. Now is not the time to press for progress. In time, circumstances will improve, allowing for ratification by all member states. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, will meet EU Foreign Minister colleagues in Vienna this weekend to discuss many of the issues raised in this debate.

I look forward to the passage of this Bill and to Ireland's ratification of the accession treaty later in the year. I also look forward to welcoming Bulgaria and Romania as full partners in the EU. Their presence will strengthen the EU in future years.

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