Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)

The decision in the referendum on the European stability treaty is one of the most important the country will take in the coming years. We will decide if we want to remain at the heart of the eurozone or leave ourselves outside the new rules and regulations for eurozone countries. There will be no second chance for us to review the treaty decision. Once 12 of the 17 eurozone countries ratify the treaty, it will be passed and apply to these countries.

Our entire economic recovery and future sustainability are linked with the ongoing stability and strength of the Europeand Union and the eurozone. We agreed to become a member of the common European currency in June 1992, following the signing of the Maastricht treaty. In taking that decision we signed up to a common set of principles that must apply to countries using the same currency. What we are seeing in the referendum is the transposition of these same rules into Irish law. That many of the rules on balanced budgets and deficits were not enshrined in legislation has brought us and the eurozone towards the frightening vista of the collapse of an economy and our currency. It is in our interests that other countries should also sign up to these rules and keep stricter controls, particularly when we see what has happened in countries such as Greece. We also need these controls for future Governments to ensure we keep a tighter rein on spending. The fiscal compact copperfastens many of the rules and regulations to which we have signed up to as a member of the eurozone. These rules are required to ensure the public finances will never again be left in a state where we have to be bailed out by our European neighbours. The former Taoiseach Mr. John Bruton has stated there should be much tighter rules which would prevent the presentation of generous budgets in the run-up to elections. If we look back at the budgets in the lead-up to the 2002 and 2007 general elections, they had a lasting and damaging impact on the economy for short-term political gain. The rules mentioned will go some way towards preventing this.

It is also in our interests that the confidence that is beginning to show in the economy and has led to an increasing number of job announcements continues to grow. The many recent job announcements such as PayPal, Eli Lilly, Mylan yesterday and Apple today, while a result of our re-emerging stability, are also a factor of our eurozone membership. Would these jobs be coming here if, after the referendum, we were viewed as not being at the heart of Europe? We have a unique selling point as the only English speaking country in the eurozone, and at a time when we need all the advantages we can get, this is something we should be promoting and emphasising.

As a Deputy from a rural background and a farmer, I believe that the ratification of this treaty is vital to the continued strong performance of our agricultural sectors. This has already been recognised by the main farming groups such as the IFA, ICMSA and Macra na Feirme, which have already announced their support for a "Yes" vote and the active campaigning of their substantial membership to vote "Yes". That is a ringing endorsement of the treaty and we need to see the further activation of civic society on this. It is not only a case of politicians needing to sell this treaty, we also need everybody who has an interest in the future of this country to agree not only to vote "Yes" but to sell that message to their colleagues, friends and further afield.

Ratification of this treaty will allow successful sectors such as the agrifood sector in which there is production and exports to continue to grow and expand for the benefit of the entire Irish economy. At a time when Irish food is on the up, for any company that is exporting, our position in Europe and as a major trading bloc is crucial to that.

Agriculture is one of the few sectors in which there is a common policy, namely the Common Agricultural Policy or the CAP. This policy is currently being renegotiated and its results will be critical for the future of this sector. As the holder of the Presidency of the EU for the first six months of 2013, Ireland will have an influential role in finalising these discussions. We need to ensure we have the maximum goodwill and support of all out EU partners to ensure the best deal possible is struck for this country. A negative vote in the referendum would be very difficult. In any negotiation process, one is dealing with human beings and if their view of us is that we are anti-European, it will not help us when we sit at the table.

I look forward to the upcoming campaign. I want to go out and meet the people of Kildare and explain to them why I believe a "Yes" vote on 31 May is the only sure way to ensure Ireland continues on its path to recovery.

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