Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)

I wish to share time with Deputy Calleary.

Together with many members of the Green Party I consider myself to be a proud European and a proud Irish person. I am a friend of Europe and believe that Europe has been a friend to Ireland since we joined the European Economic Community in 1973. We recognise, however, that good friends know when to criticise and when to hold a friend to account. We have had our difficulties and differences with European policy. We are proud of our record of calling the European Union to account. It is always important for a small nation to ensure that its voice is heard.

Europe has been good for democracy and for the environment in Ireland. I disagree with Deputy Kenny's reference to an opt-out on some nebulous futuristic prospect of unforeseen circumstances. The opt-out is strongly felt and is epitomised by the differences between Napoleonic law and common law. Several speakers alluded to jury trial, lengthy detention periods and habeas corpus, important issues on which to draw a line in the sand. Some may describe this as an À la carte approach but if one chooses the prix fixe menu one is in real danger of losing out on issues held dear by states such as ours.

Deputy Costello ranted about the Green Party's role to the point of accusing us of 50 years of opposition to Europe which is a bit rich given that we have existed for only 25 years. Perhaps he lost the run of himself.

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