Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

In my view this was a bad deal, and a better deal was possible. I am like Deputy Hayes who spoke earlier, wondering about the IFA and the its leadership. Why was it that one week it argued one position and the next week it argued another? The IFA said it was seeking a "No" vote originally and it then capitulated to the three monkeys, Cowen, Kenny and Gilmore. The veto that Mr. Padraig Walshe and the IFA sought was to disappear in the Lisbon treaty and yet he capitulated.

The dream of this Lisbon treaty to which the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, referred is over and we must put together another treaty. Undeniably there are issues in Europe which need to be addressed. Sinn Féin has been constructive in this regard. Today, we sent a lengthy document to the Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen, in the hope that he would use it. It is based on much of what was in the treaty but goes further in the context of the vision that is included in the EU treaties. We set out the changes we believe reflect the reasons for the "No" vote and which address the issues raised with us and by us on the treaty. There is no suggestion of a reheat of the treaty with minor alternations. Significant issues of concern were raised by the people over the past few months and they must be listened to. The more people gained an insight into the contents of the Lisbon treaty, the more inclined they were to vote "No". An examination of the polls leading up to the referendum bear this out as did the final poll which rejected the treaty overwhelmingly.

Over and over we have had to listen to representatives of the House accuse those who voted "No" of being cut from the same cloth as the contemptible Mr. Jean-Marie Le Pen. That is a shameful accusation. Such shameful arrogance is perhaps the best example of the reason there is a democratic deficit in Europe, why that deficit is so great and the reason so many of our people do not trust the political parties. This was evidenced by the vote. The world has not collapsed, as predicted, because of the "No" vote. The Minister of State, Deputy Peter Power, is incorrect to say that the consequences will be negative. He is already starting on the wrong foot. The Minister of State should take the significant mandate against this treaty as a positive sign. It shows the Irish people are standing firm and saying "No" and that there is a better deal possible. There is a need to close the gap between the citizens of Europe and the EU institutions. Future treaties should be written in clear and accessible language so that nobody can say that people did not understand and so there will be no doubt afterward. I believe the people did understand, they are not stupid and they said "No". I congratulate those who came out and took the time to vote "No". It is a pity more people did not turn out and vote "No".

The answer to the question "what now?" is obvious. The Government must use the mandate to negotiate a new treaty. It needs to view the current situation as an opportunity to return to the table with our EU partners and secure the best possible deal for all the people of Europe, not any old deal as was put to us on Thursday last.

It is not acceptable for EU leaders to seek ways of avoiding or circumventing the democratically expressed wishes of the people. The ratification process must end just as it did following the rejection of the EU Constitution. Some of the people who demanded that ratification process end immediately now demand it continues. Some of the leaders of Europe are speaking from both sides of their mouths.

The people must be listened to. Throughout the referendum campaign several issues arose time and again. These included Ireland's loss of power in Europe, EU militarisation, workers' rights and public services, and the treaty's impact on the developing world. These issues must be addressed. It is now the responsibility of the Government, particularly the Taoiseach, to listen to the people. The Taoiseach should commit himself to the task of securing a better deal in a new treaty which reflects the points I have made. These practical and reasonable demands can be delivered, despite the hoopla and palaver. Sinn Féin is committed to engaging in this process in a constructive manner. As I said, we have submitted a lengthy document proposal to the Taoiseach's office. It details the important changes which must be made if the people are to have confidence in any new treaty. We believe the short-term strategic reforms outlined in the document are reasonable, practical and deliverable. They represent the minimum that will be required in any new treaty. I am prepared to circulate a copy of the document to any Member of the House who wishes to read it. Perhaps I will furnish all Deputies with a copy of it in order that they can understand where we are coming from. Many seem to think we need to discover why the people voted "No". The reasons were made clear, in black and white, throughout the campaign. They are being clarified again today.

Sinn Féin intends to meet representatives of the trade union movement, the farming lobby, the business community and civic society to encourage them to use their influence to ensure the Government secures the best deal possible. Any new deal must address the European Union's democratic deficit which has been the subject of much discussion. It must fundamentally secure Ireland's neutrality and protect workers' rights and public services. Such sensible and rational concerns emerged on the doorstep, in the local media and from interest groups throughout the campaign. Issues such as the retention of Ireland's permanent Commissioner, its current voting strength at the European Council and its key strategic vetoes such as its veto on the outcome of the international trade talks were regularly outlined during the campaign. The controversial "self-amending" articles need to be removed from any new EU treaty.

A specific protocol is needed in the new treaty to protect Ireland's neutrality. We need to be given opt-outs from certain aspects of the European Union's emerging Common Foreign and Security Policy. Taxpayers' money should not be diverted to the European Defence Agency or used for any EU military purposes. We need a protocol to opt out from the EURATOM treaty. Explicit amendments are required to ensure greater protection of workers' rights and to stop the opening of vital public services to competition. Measures that will strengthen the social content of the EU project are needed if economic competitiveness is to be balanced with social cohesion and sustainable development.

A better deal is possible for Ireland, the European Union and the world if the Government steps up to the plate by acting in accordance with the outcome of the referendum. There are concerns about the Government's approach in the light of its total opposition to the loudly voiced wishes of the people on this issue. The other 26 member states need to acknowledge that the Lisbon treaty finished on 12 June. It cannot be reheated and put to the people again. If the Government is serious in its commitment to listen to the people and uphold democracy, it must secure a better EU treaty for Ireland and Europe.

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