Cyprian Brady (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this particular issue because over the past number of weeks, the people have spoken, made their decision and we are where we are now. As a local representative in Dublin Central, I had the privilege of working with committed members of the community who gave their time and energy to canvass for a "Yes" vote in the Lisbon treaty referendum over the best part of the last six or eight weeks — despite the fact that they had to spend most of their time correcting misinformation spread by the "No" team. On examination, one finds the "No" team comprised two international "Del boys" and, in our area, two failed candidates in the last general election. Our local canvassers were committed to ensuring that we in Dublin Central should continue to have access to the best EU knowledge and incentives available to generate employment, skills and infrastructure.

One canvasser said to me the problem was that, thankfully, our young people never had to live in times when mortgage rates were 12% or 14%, unemployment was at a peak and we had no roads in the country. When we reminded people of the support Ireland has got from the EU, in terms of training, jobs, roads, schools and telecommunications as well as assistance in other areas such as the help we got in our area to rid the constituency of drugs and drug barons, this was viewed by some, particularly the young, as old news. As was said earlier, the soundbites from the "No" campaign were sexier and remained unexplained in the Referendum Commission's booklet, which was distributed to every house in the country.

However, the people have spoken and I respect their views and the manner in which they have come to that conclusion. Our job is not to look back at the old news, but to move forward and find a way for Ireland to remain an active partner within the EU. In achieving this, we must ensure that we bring the people in every house, street, community and constituency with us. We have to ensure that every citizen is fully aware of the contribution the EU makes in our daily lives. We did not get that message across. This has now to be done, every week and every month, not just three weeks before a referendum.

In my opinion, we cannot rely on a Referendum Commission booklet, or indeed the European Commission office in Dublin, to communicate this important message. It is up to us as public representatives to inform our constituents of the workings of the EU and the important role it plays in people's lives. This can be achieved through cross-party co-operation and with the assistance of the European Union. I urge all parties to agree an EU public awareness strategy that will be implemented on a regular basis every year. This would ensure that voters will not have to rely on soundbites and jargon to make informed decisions about their future.

Confusion existed about the treaty which we experienced on the doorsteps, at churches and shopping centres. The message we were endeavouring to put out was that Europe has played a central role in this country's progress in the past 30 years. In order for Ireland to continue this progress and play a part in Europe, it must be at the table. Ireland cannot be sidelined, as suggested by some. That is not the future for Ireland.

The Taoiseach and the team the Government has in Europe are very capable of ensuring Ireland continues to play a central role in the future of Europe. I have no doubt that every effort will be made by the Government and all Members on this side of the House to ensure the message gets out to the people that Ireland is part of Europe and has always endeavoured to play a prominent role in it and punched above its weight. Ireland has had appointments to senior structures in the European Union. The experience the Taoiseach has gained over the past several years in Europe will serve him well in the months to come.

Fianna Fáil has no problem accepting the decision of the people. The role Europe plays in their lives is a message we failed to get across because of the misinformation and spurious ideas that were put out by the "No" side. This misinformation was difficult to counteract because the "Yes" side was on the back foot, seen to be trying to fix something that was not broken. EU structures and systems have worked well until now. The Lisbon treaty was about making the Union more efficient and suitable for an expanded number of member states. This is the message we will continue to put out. The Taoiseach and his team will continue to fight to maintain our position in the EU.

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