Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I am confident the treaty will be in position by the next European elections. That is the goal of the European Union and Ireland. Members of all parties will work together on the constitution to the benefit of the EU and our country. We have to be mindful of the role the European Union has played in modernising our nation and our laws and in ensuring we have an effective mechanism to introduce fair and equitable legislation.

I pay tribute to Deputy Allen on the outstanding work he has done as Chairman of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny. I salute him, his colleagues and the officials of the sub-committee. Much work has been done in a quiet but efficient manner. My Department is proud to have fulfilled its responsibilities under the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002. The Act also obliges us to produce an annual report on developments in the European Union. That is accessible and transparent to everybody and is an important tool for Members, citizens and Departments in terms of knowing the ramifications of any proposals coming from Europe.

Deputy Allen spoke about the National Forum on Europe. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the Committee of the Regions in Ireland, with the secretaries general of the committee and the forum. The secretary general of the committee stated emphatically that the European Union believes that the National Forum on Europe is the best vehicle for communicating the European message to the citizens of Ireland. He recommended that the forum be replicated in every member state. This week, the forum will move to Deputy Allen's great city, where it will address the lifelong learning festival. It is visiting the people in rural and urban areas.

Reference was made to resources for the scrutiny role of the Oireachtas. I have made it clear on Committee Stage that we are open to a review of the arrangements in place for Oireachtas scrutiny. I fully support that.

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