Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I listened to the Minister of State when he introduced the Bill. If one were to take it at face value, one could say that this is just another step on the road in the legal workings of the European Union and that the Attorney General has examined the Bill. It could be argued that this Bill would be good for ordinary people.

It is well known in the House that my party is pro-European. I am a very pro-European person and this sentiment is shared by many hundreds of thousands of Irish people. There are many good reasons for this attitude. Many years ago both the Minister of State and I were members of the Macra na Feirme organisation. We canvassed day and night to ensure that this country joined the European Union. I am sure the Minister of State remembers that time well.

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