Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Although this Bill does not represent a dramatic step forward in the development of the European Union, it is nevertheless welcome. The establishment of the principle that the European Parliament is independent, has the authority to set its own pay levels and that there should be equal treatment of Members from different member states represents important progress. It marks a certain coming of age of the European Parliament as an institution that organises its own affairs and acts without fear or favour.

It is ironic that the Lisbon treaty raised the ire of many people. In the aftermath of the difficulties experienced with the Nice treaty, the purpose of the Lisbon treaty was to try to make the system of decision-making more democratic, open and transparent. For example, the treaty introduces initiatives such as the right of ordinary people to petition for changes in European policy and the right of domestic parliaments to wave yellow cards in the face of actions from Europe.

It proved extraordinarily difficult in the campaign on the Lisbon treaty referendum to convince people that, rather than being a conspiracy to grab powers to the European Union, the treaty constituted an attempt by a unique body to make itself more democratic. The ideas in the Lisbon treaty could not have been developed in a more democratic manner. People from the "Yes" and "No" sides in all parliaments participated in the debates on how the European institutions could be made more democratic and open. It was a pity, therefore, that these efforts were rejected.

We need to take a step back and explain to ourselves and members of the public what a unique and wonderful institution is the European Union. We have never had its like in the history of world affairs. The EU is a body which seeks not only to resolve issues peacefully but to do so in a democratic manner. The European Parliament holds to account other institutions and every country is given a say in the system through a fair and balanced weighting mechanism. Would we not die for an opportunity to have the United Nations develop in a such an open, democratic and accountable manner and have the interests of its members taken into account and fairly represented? Instead, the UN has vetoes, insiders and second class members.

As a unique experiment in the history of mankind, we should cherish the uniqueness of the European Union and the value of what it has done, specifically for Ireland. We face problems which domestic action alone will not resolve. Many of the most alarming crises confronting us, whether financial, humanitarian or in the areas of climate change and crime, have developed dimensions that reach far beyond our borders. It is not possible for the Irish Government or people to wield influence over the forces arraigned against us unless we work together with other countries. We can achieve much more by working together on these major issues than we can separately.

The wonderful feature of the European Union is that it can achieve great things but only in areas where we, the people, choose to give it authority. The EU has developed in perfect balance. It does not attempt to use the old ultra vires rule that one can stray into any area one chooses. We protect the powers we do not delegate to the European Union to be shared. The Union's strength is that it can act only in areas over which we have given it authority. Many of the red herrings raised during the debate on the Lisbon treaty referendum showed a lack of understanding of this basic principle underpinning the European Union.

We cannot approach the forthcoming debate by lecturing people because we believe they should know better. The problem is that we, who see the benefits of the treaty, have not been successful in selling it and encouraging people to understand what is being done. We must learn from this. I welcome the efforts of this Parliament and the Government since the Lisbon treaty referendum to broaden understanding and to deal with some of the canards which emerged during the campaign on the treaty.

While I believe we are in a position to go to the people with a better understanding than previously, I worry that time will be needed to mount an effective campaign. We are entering into the silly season when opportunities to plan and develop a campaign could slip from agendas. It is important, therefore, that we get to grips with this issue and hit the ground running when the House returns following what many people regard as a well earned break.

I welcome the Bill which will, I am sure, receive broad support. I will raise one or two issues on Committee Stage and seek clarification of several points arising from its sections.

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