Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. It is important to bear in mind what we are actually speaking about, namely, a question which is being put to the Irish people and which asks if the policies that created the difficulties being experienced by our economy can be avoided in the future. The treaty which is the subject of the referendum brings together the member states that use the euro as a common currency and ensures that the policies of such states will not in the future be able to impact on the stability of the currency. Europe could easily be criticised for the speed of its reaction to the current crisis, for the lack of certainty that existed for such a long period and for the fact that clear direction was not provided. This criticism could be justified because strong rules relating to the security of the currency were not in place.

Why vote "Yes" to the treaty? In my opinion the treaty offers member states the knowledge that in the event of their requiring assistance in the future, said assistance will be forthcoming. More importantly, however, it will prevent future administrations from doing what governments comprising Fianna Fáil, the Progressive Democrats and the Green Party did to this country. A "Yes" vote will inform the world that we value our place in Europe and that we are proud to be part of the most successful political entity - which supports peace, prosperity, fairness and equality - in the modern era. A "Yes" vote will also state that Ireland, more than any country, values the right of the people to have their say on issues of constitutional importance. It will also indicate that we, more than most, know how essential it is for governments to behave responsibly and live within their means.

A "Yes" vote will also state that while we are currently borrowing €75 euro per week in respect of every man, woman and child in the State, we will strive to regain our economic independence, we will play our part in ensuring that if any of our European colleagues require the help we needed in the past, such assistance will be available and we will see to it that a fair approach is taken in respect of those who find themselves in difficulty in the future. A "Yes" vote will ensure that unexpected events that may have a major bearing on a country's economy, such as a crop failure or an ecological or some other disaster, can be worked through with the support of the other member states, recognising that it is not possible to legislate for disasters but also being mindful of the consequences that can arise if such disasters occur.

Why vote "No" to the treaty? In my view there is no reason to do so. The arguments that are being put forward by those on the "No" side are the same tired old versions that have been used by eurosceptics and extreme left-wing fundamentalists since the EU was founded. Given that every treaty has been endorsed by the Irish electorate, the "No" side has continually been proved wrong. On this occasion, the outcome will be no different. If we had listened to those on the "No" side in the most recent referenda, we would be obliged to ask ourselves whether communities that have been plagued by unemployment would have had access to, for example, the European Globalisation Fund. Some Deputies who are so vociferously opposed to the current treaty are also trying to ensure that moneys from the latter fund will be spent in their constituencies.

Those on the "No" side want to play Russian roulette with the Irish economy. It is clear to me and to everyone else on this side of the House that there is no plan B. Unlike on previous occasions, it is not the case that all member states must sign up to the treaty. If 12 countries sign up, then, as the Taoiseach stated, the train will leave the station. The "No" side is a mixum-gatherum of people who are fundamentally negative about everything. It would be a lonely, backward stroll into the unknown if we, with our small, open economy, were to reject the principle of balanced budgets, inform our colleagues in Europe that we are not prepared to play by the rules, tell investors that we are happy to go down the road previously travelled by Bertie Ahern et al., and declare to the world that Ireland is not open for business.

Those who state that the treaty contains only austerity measures clearly have not read it. Ironically, the treaty is largely opposed by those on the extreme left. The latter are now advocating the approach of the Ahern-McCreevy-Harney school of economics-----

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