John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on his election this morning and Senator Kiely on his election as Cathaoirleach yesterday. I know they will both bring dignity to their roles. They are fair minded people and I look forward to working with them.

I am happy to have the opportunity speak on the important issue of the Nice treaty. It presents us with an important chance to reaffirm our commitment to the European Union.

The leaders of six western European countries came together after the Second World War to form a Coal and Steel Union. Their fundamental aims were to establish a trading block between the member states and to avoid a conflict similar to the Second World War in Europe. Over the following 50 years nine countries, including Ireland, joined that Union. Many changes have taken place since including the name. It is now called the EU. Various treaties in the intervening years have changed the influence of the Union on our lives. Despite these changes, even the less hysterical people who are calling for a "No" vote in the Nice treaty accept that Europe has been positive. If the Union is judged by the principles of the founding fathers it has been a tremendous success. The Treaty of Nice has arisen because of that success and those countries in central and eastern Europe, formerly under the influence of the Soviet Union, wish to join the Union. That has brought us to where we are now.