Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak in this very important debate. Like my colleague, Deputy Dooley, I welcome the fact this announcement was made in the Dáil Chamber. For the first time, I felt the Dáil was relevant because in previous years, announcements were made outside the Dáil. I commend the Government which got the information at 12 p.m. and made the announcement in the Dáil at 3 p.m. I also welcome the fact the Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Martin, immediately supported the Government's move to hold a referendum. That is important and is a good start to the campaign.

Over the past number of years, there has been too much negativity about referenda and, unfortunately, the negativity has started, in particular from Sinn Féin which said there were alternatives. It is easy to stand for everything but, in the end, to stand for nothing. Will Sinn Féin clarify the other options available, in particular given that it said the IMF would bail us out completely? It is extremely important the campaign is positive, whether one is voting "Yes" or "No", and the majority of people and parties support this referendum.

From the Government's point of view, the fact we are having a referendum means the people will have an opportunity to decide on their future involvement in the European Union, which is extremely important. It is also important the public is well informed. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore, and the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Creighton, will ensure the public is well informed in their campaign.

Deputy Dooley referred to the fact that referenda sometimes get sidelined. It will get sidelined if we are not positive and if the proper message is not sent. Experience has shown that debates are turned into anything but what referenda are about. However, it is far too important on this occasion to talk about other issues because the future of Ireland is at stake.

I concur with the Taoiseach and the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, that ratifying this treaty is in the national interest and that non-ratification would send out a very bad message from Ireland. As Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, I meet members of the diplomatic corps on a weekly basis. One of the things they highlight to me, whether formally or informally, is how Ireland has measured up, unlike other European countries. Our Ministers have always said we are not like Italy or Greece and that we have met our targets. That is paying off for us. Over the past 12 months, this Government has brought confidence to the country and that confidence is paying off for us in regard to foreign direct investment. Last year, we created 16,000 jobs, which is important.

Sending a positive message is important and, as I said, the diplomatic corps looks on Ireland as a country which has done extremely well in the midst of an economic recession in Europe. For that reason, it is important we send a positive message and deal with the issues. We have met our targets. Ireland's recovery is very much linked to the eurozone and growth is extremely important because it brings jobs and that is what the economy is all about. Ireland's exports are doing extremely well. There was modest growth in exports of 3.6% last year, which is real progress. We must be competitive.

The fact this referendum will take place in the near future will send a positive message. I know the people will vote "Yes" because they know their future lies in Europe. Sending a positive message to our partners in Europe will certainly make Ireland a very favourable place for investment in the future.

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