Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Deputy Mattie McGrath, with the permission of the House.

I welcome this debate and regret the result of the referendum. As regards the campaign in County Galway, it was very united, with all the major political parties trying to secure a "Yes" result. When people say that Europe is irrelevant or a long way away, I always think of the issues of the day. One of the major issues that surfaced during the last number of weeks — and it is still very relevant — was the question of energy and energy supplies. The idea was strongly promoted as regards countries working together for security of energy supplies. This was very relevant and particularly apposite as regards trying to get foreign direct investment into Ireland, to create more jobs.

I was reminded by many people during the campaign that there were over 2 million people working in Ireland, 1 million more that at the time we joined the EEC. That shows the good relationship that has persisted between Ireland and Europe and the quality of investment we have enjoyed since we joined. Our tax policies are very relevant to the whole job creation effort. There was an attempt to undermine the tax situation, which we have always maintained must be a matter for ourselves, and that should be made very clear.

One issue that is very relevant as regards Europe is the whole question of cross-border crime and the fact that Lisbon had proposals in this regard. In this regard, the question of illegal immigration and the trafficking of people, arms and drugs, affect all member states. Deputy Michael D. Higgins, in particular, made a very strong case throughout the campaign as regards the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights. This sets out the fundamental rights of citizens of Europe, including non-discrimination and equality, the right to life, prohibition of torture and respect for private and family life. This was an issue which was very important to put before the people. It was emphasised that the strengthening of national parliaments was important, as was the strengthening of the European Parliament. It is not just a question of the major players supporting the treaty. The Small Firms Association was very clear as regards Ireland's future in terms of Europe.

I was intrigued by the manner in which the issue of the veto was dealt with in the campaign. Libertas was saying there was no veto, while the IFA wanted it used immediately. Obviously, both organisations could not be right. To the credit of the major political parties, when they went out lobbying for a "Yes" vote they told the truth about the Lisbon treaty. There is no doubt that fears were raised as regards conscription. I heard it in Galway and on "Morning Ireland". People were asked what their worries were as they left polling stations and this issue came up. What was being said was totally untrue. Earlier today I heard someone quoting Frances Black's song, "All the lies you told me". Perhaps Leonard Cohen put it somewhat more subtly, when he said at the weekend in Dublin, "There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in". I certainly hope we shall find a way to let the light get in and find a way forward, but it is not going to be easy.

One of the issues people criticised was the fact that the treaty contained a few lines on climate change and overseas development assistance. As a Deputy who has worked in that area, I welcome the fact that there is a legal basis for including it in the Lisbon treaty, since climate change in particular is an enormous challenge facing humanity. It will impact and threaten the lives and safety of hundreds of millions, possibly billions, of people globally, through famine, flood and disease — and I am very glad that it is included. It was there at Ireland's behest and great credit is due to the people who negotiated the treaty and included that particular issue. I want to congratulate the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, on his meeting last Monday. I hope that it is the start of some progress to be made by the Taoiseach and himself in the future.

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