Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this important issue. I pay tribute to the Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny, Deputy Perry. As a member of the committee, I have seen him close up and know that he runs a professional, enthusiastic and efficient committee, on which I compliment him.

A recent Eurobarometer opinion poll showed that a large majority supported our EU membership but the difficulty was only one quarter believed their opinions counted when the European Union made decisions. The challenge facing us as public representatives is to not only widen the areas covered by the European Union's structures but to strengthen those structures. We have a responsibility to build a bridge between what is considered a distant European Union and the day-to-day lives of the citizens we meet and represent during our working week. The way to build this bridge is to make the European Union more efficient and relevant. This can be done through committees such as the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny and by giving more power to the Houses of the Oireachtas, the Seanad and the Dáil.

The only way to give more power to the Oireachtas is to vote "Yes" to the Lisbon treaty. The treaty will make a difference by enhancing the role of the Seanad and the Dáil in a way separate from the role of the Government. I find it difficult to understand how the likes of Deputy Finian McGrath and Senator Norris who have long been advocates of reform of the role of the Houses of the Oireachtas can advocate a "No" vote having seen this opportunity to enhance the role of the Houses. I am sure that after the referendum on the treaty, we will hear them speak eloquently about the need to enhance the role of the Seanad and the Dáil, yet they are not taking this opportunity and are advocating a rejection of the benefits of the treaty.

The Lisbon treaty will ensure compliance with the principle of subsidiarity. In layman's terms, this means that the Dáil and the Seanad will have key roles in the decision-making process. New measures that will be introduced should the treaty be passed will mean this Parliament will receive documents directly from the Commission, giving it more time to react to proposals and an opportunity to involve itself in the legislative process at the earliest stage. Our MEPs will have increased involvement due to the increased power of co-decision in up to 40 new policy areas. The European Parliament will have the right to elect the President of the Commission; currently it only has the power of assent.

There are measures that we in the Houses of the Oireachtas can take to build on the positive aspects of the Lisbon treaty, should it be passed. There must be reforms. Deputy Perry, as Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny, proposed that one day a month should be given over to consideration of European business. I acknowledge that this is only a start and that MEPs should be allowed to contribute in the Dáil Chamber on specific issues relating to the European Union. This would help strengthen the connection between the Union and the citizens we represent.

Ireland is at a crossroads in terms of its relationship with the European Union. We have contributed a great deal and made a huge positive input in developing the Union. In the past 35 years Ireland has also benefitted hugely from its involvement in the Union. For this reason, I am disappointed that the "No" side is running what I deem to be a self-interested, isolationist campaign. This campaign does no one justice, as Ireland has been a shining light for the rest of the Union and further afield. When one considers all we have received from it, it is amazing to think some wish to pull up the drawbridge on other countries which are in the same position we were in 35 years ago. It is disappointing that people pretend to care about the European Union when, in fact, they only wish to pull down the shutters, keep what we have and make sure nobody else benefits as we did.

Many have questioned the motives of the "No" campaign and its leaders. Some wonder why, after years of doing business with the US military, some involved in the "No" campaign have suddenly found an interest in defending Irish sovereignty and political structures. Personally, I welcome Libertas's concern for Irish political structures but I am more interested in who ignited this concern and who would gain most from a "No" vote. The United States does not want a strong European Union, as it does not suit its interests. I am not usually a believer in conspiracy theories but the contributions of Oliver North and other US military luminaries in Central America give cause for grave concern. It seems the US military establishment would be happiest with a "No" vote, and I am concerned that Declan Ganley is the political wing of the US military generals. This is a dangerous and sinister situation. I thank the Acting Chairman for his forbearance.

See this speech in context