Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

It is ironic to note, when we have just had a vote on many of the issues which are for debate in the course of this referendum campaign, that if the referendum was passed and the Lisbon treaty of reform was passed and approved by all Europeans, the kind of problems now faced by the agri-food sector probably would not occur at all.

I should mention that some years ago I was Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Affairs, as I am now. At that time we set out a series of objectives. We identified the issues that we felt needed attention to ensure member states were not disadvantaged by any decision taken by the Commission, the Council or the European Parliament. It is interesting that most of the issues we raised at that time — to our surprise — have been address in the Lisbon treaty of reform. We did not expect that but it is indicative of the fact that somebody somewhere was listening. I compliment the Taoiseach and the Ministers, former and current, who listened to what we had to say at that time, obviously took it on board and used it, as we had done, among the European institutions with a view to ensuring it was possible for smaller countries to retain their position, to be part and parcel of the European scene notwithstanding the proposal to reduce the number of commissioners and to rearrange the Council and its operation.

We all recognise that it is not a question of Ireland joining Europe. We have got away from that notion which we held for some time. We now recognise that we are Europeans, that we are part and parcel of Europe and that we have a meaningful, constructive and important role to play in the Europe of today and the future. If we do not accept our responsibilities in that area, if we shirk, shilly-shally and equivocate, that will be seen by all around as well and it would not be consistent with the attitude we have adopted.

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