Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Deputy Chris Andrews.

I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate on the Lisbon treaty. Following the Treaty of Rome and the establishment of the Common Market, Ireland joined the European Economic Community in 1973. For many years, the European Community was closely associated with the agricultural industry and many of the benefits flowing from membership were regarded as exclusive to the sector. One of the foundations of the Treaty of Rome was to guarantee food supply throughout Europe. However, as the European project has progressed and developed, society as a whole has enjoyed significant benefits. The European Social Fund, for instance, has delivered many social benefits, while trade and the education sectors have also advanced.

The Common Agricultural Policy has played a key role in the development of farming, especially the food industry, since we joined the EEC in 1973. Community decisions exerted a major influence on the sector. It is vital for the future of the agriculture industry and its spin-offs that we continue to play a full and positive role in EU decision-making, specifically in the key agrifood sector. Given that agriculture is our most successful and important indigenous industry, we must ensure we continue to be major players in Europe.

As speakers noted, difficulties have arisen as a result of the interpretation of some European directives. Notwithstanding such negative factors, membership of the European Union is good for agriculture and rural communities. The agricultural sector has made significant advances since 1973, with farm size, productivity and output increasing substantially. From 1973 to 2006, for example, Ireland received €41 billion from the European Community, of which €38.7 was from the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund, EAGGF, for direct payments, market supports, export refunds, intervention aid for private storage and the accommodating measures, including the rural environment protection, farm retirement, fish withdrawal and forestry schemes.

The MacSharry reforms of 1992 included the introduction of the rural environment protection scheme, REPS, one of the most successful EU schemes to date. REPS delivered major improvements in the agricultural and rural environment by encouraging farmers and landowners to improve their lands. The Government must support the continuation of the scheme.

The Leader programme has provided support for rural industry. Deputies will know their respective areas but in my area, Duhallow and Ballyhoura have benefited enormously from the projects funded under the Leader programme, which has increased off-farm employment in rural communities through the establishment of many new indigenous industries. Long may this fantastic programme continue because it delivers excellent value for money.

In the past, particularly in the 1950s and 1980s, one of Ireland's greatest problems was the ongoing exodus of young people leaving on the emigration boat. Many social issues have arisen because, for once, emigration, which existed since before the Famine, has been stopped and many more people now live in Ireland. We must ensure through the European Union that we provide for every sector of society. Funding that came through in the early days of EU membership for the education sector has helped to equip our young people with a better education and, in turn, helped maintain our economy.

Many opponents of the treaty are making much noise about rejecting it. We must accept the treaty. Ireland is the only member state to have a referendum on it. This opportunity to exercise our democratic right on the treaty is a lasting testament to de Valera's 1937 Constitution.

While it is easy to pick out and focus on, for example, three negative points of the treaty, it is important to have an informed debate. Opponents claim the treaty will affect our neutrality. Nothing could be further from the truth. In a recent reply to a parliamentary question, the Minister for Foreign Affairs stated: "all member states remain free to determine their own policies in these areas ... and other areas of EU competence. The reform treaty does not change this position".

Ireland has participated fully in Europe since 1973. Many of our best ambassadors have done good work across the European Union. We must ensure the reform treaty is passed. Uniquely, the three largest political parties are in favour of the treaty when in other countries that is not the case. We must use this unanimity to sell the message to the people with an informed debate on the referendum.

Some claim they do not have any information on the treaty. One would need five years to study the entire intricacies of the consolidated treaties. The Lisbon treaty tidies up and consolidates successive European Union treaties. The treaty is to the benefit of the Republic and the whole island of Ireland. We must ensure it is passed and that we continue to play an active and full role in Europe. We must ensure we never return to forced emigration from the island and continue the economic stability and prosperity we enjoy. We must continue to maintain those born and reared in Ireland so that they can live their lives to the full.

I commend the Bill to the House and the Lisbon reform treaty to the people. We must do everything in our power to ensure it is passed on behalf of the Republic.

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