Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

This referendum is not a rerun of the previous one. We want the people to make a decision. Many people said to me that if they had known more they would have voted differently. A change is proposed to the Constitution and changes have been made to the Bill because of the Seville Declaration. What is the problem in asking people if they are happier and offering them an opportunity to make a decision? That is the essence of democracy and I am proud we can do that. Many countries might just simply walk away.

What are the consequences of walking away? Many people say the consequences would be dire. However we should focus on the positive aspects of accepting the Nice treaty and on what it will mean for us and for our children's children. What will it mean for the economy, jobs and growth? What will it mean too for neutrality, defence and other such issues? It is quite right to seek answers to those questions.

I am delighted to support the treaty and I look forward to hearing people's views on the key issues during the remainder of the debate. The Treaty of Nice is necessary. All the countries involved came together to come up with an agreement that would allow for enlargement of the EU. It must be accepted that we cannot continue to allow new members into the Union without making changes to the institutions that were set up at a time when a Union of 25 or 27 states was never envisaged. It is time to change the original structures.