Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Senator Kieran Phelan. I congratulate you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, on your appointment. You will bring great dignity and honour to the position. I hope, with your County Cavan connections, you will allow me to make a point or criticise Government policy now and again. I also congratulate the Minister of State on his recent appointment. Already, after just a few weeks in office, he is probably the best known Minister in the Government. I hope that remains the case.

This is my first time to speak since my election to the Seanad. I thank the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party which nominated me and the councillors, Deputies and outgoing Senators who voted for me for the opportunity to become a Member of this House. I am very glad to be here.

Europe has been good to Ireland. Since joining the European Economic Community 30 years ago Ireland has been able to grow and develop. Our membership has been a vital factor in our economic success. We have expanded our trade, attracted high levels of foreign investment and received and continue to receive direct financial support and funding. The Common Agricultural Policy has developed our farming sector and sustained rural communities in a way which would have been unimaginable otherwise. We now have higher standards across the board, including in such areas as environmental protection, workplace health and safety, the promotion of equality for women and the protection of workers' rights.

Every single person in this country is directly affected by our membership of the European Union, whether as a worker, employer, farmer, trade unionist, parent or consumer. As every part of Ireland is affected, every citizen has a stake in the outcome of the forthcoming referendum. There is a very strong economic case for voting "Yes" to the Nice treaty. What will happen, however, if we vote "No"? There is no plan B. What we can say for certain is that, because there would be no legal basis for the changes envisaged, there would be major disruption of the enlargement negotiations currently drawing to a close.