Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, to the Chamber. I also wish to add my congratulations to the new Cathaoirleach, Senator Kiely, and to the new leaders and whips of the groups.

I support the Bill. This referendum is being held in a different context to the previous one because of the work that has been done to address the issues of military neutrality and the democratic deficit. It is fitting that the question about the ratification of the Nice treaty can be put to the people a second time. The Labour Party raised these two issues in that we sought constitutional protection for our military neutrality and highlighted the need for parliamentary accountability regarding EU decisions through our European Union Bill. I welcome the fact that the Government has conceded these two issues.