Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Fine Gael did not do so; neither did the Government. There are still doubts. We are trying to reflect the will of the people. It is clear from the research that issues of neutrality and defence, with workers' rights, are high on people's list of priorities. We must listen to the people. We must create solutions with our European colleagues that reflect the will of the people, as articulated at the ballot box. We must not take things for granted. Whether we like it, we must take messages from the way the people voted. As legislators and politicians, it is our challenge to reflect these views in a new road map. That is what we are endeavouring to do with our colleagues in the European Union.

The points made by the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, in an eloquent and good contribution to this debate are worth bearing in mind. We are 35 years in the European Union. Other member states have clear views on the Lisbon treaty, its value and the purpose of the reform programme. If we can deal with the issues raised in a satisfactory solution, can we work with our colleagues to advance the reform programme to make the European Union more effective on the global stage on issues such as climate change and the banking and financial crisis? The Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, was loud in his praise of the ECB in terms of its role in supporting the Irish banking system in the past 12 months.

See this speech in context