Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

The one thing which became clear during the entire process of negotiations which led to the drafting of this treaty is that Heads of State and Government are not equal. Deputy White stated that we can work through the political families. It must be recognised that Ireland is a minnow in respect of this matter and it is not in a position of equality with other states. The European Union was built on solidarity and a level of equality and the veto was part of the protections for small countries. We do not have a Europe of the equals. I recall the Tánaiste stating some years ago that there is a world of difference between influence and power. The powers of the European Parliament are not going to be enhanced under the treaty. It may well be that it will be able to exert some influence but there is a difference between the power and influence. I do not need to explain the nature of that difference to the Tánaiste.

We are being asked to make provision for the treaty at constitutional level because that is the level at which Angela Merkel wants the matter to be determined. This will mean that the treaty cannot be watered down and that its provisions will be copperfastened. As previous speakers indicated, this means that it will be there for evermore. Essentially, the Government did not jump and down in seeking to have the treaty incorporated within the Constitution. On the day on which the announcement to the effect that a referendum would be required was made, the body language on the Government side appeared to indicate that the latter was not what was desired. I am sure, however, the Tánaiste will state that this was not the case. It does not seem to have been desirable. We are moving towards a position where there will be a conflict with the rights of the citizens of this State and democracy.

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