Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

Is mór an onóir dom a labhairt. Ar dtús ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil do mo chairde i measc Fianna Fáil agus go háirithe don Taoiseach as ucht an pribhléide a bhronn sé orm mar Sheanadóir.

As the Taoiseach's nominee, I cannot agree with the sentiment expressed yesterday by the esteemed senior Member regarding the Taoiseach's nominees. The House would be much less productive without the input of some of the outstanding people who have contributed to it as Taoiseach's nominees.

I wish to add my voice to those of previous speakers who warmly congratulated the Cathaoirleach and the Leas-Chathaoirleach on their new responsibilities. I look forward to working with both of them in the term ahead.

The first debate the new Seanad is undertaking is one of great importance to the Members of the House, the people of this city and every family. In this debate I stand firmly with the Senators from all parties, and those of no party, who have made a clear case for voting "Yes" in the forthcoming referendum. I support a "Yes" vote because the Nice treaty is a fair and good deal for Ireland and for Europe because it protects jobs, investment and growth in Ireland and in Europe as a whole. It means that Ireland can hold its own in a larger Europe and retain our powers in the Commission and the Council of Ministers. It does not weaken our right to determine our own tax rates and the proposed referendum upholds and copperfastens our military neutrality in a new and better way. A "Yes" vote will ensure that the only way we could ever give up our neutrality is by a free vote of the Irish people in a referendum.

As we head out to canvass for support for a "Yes" vote, I am aware that the public, largely indifferent to Europe, will be looking for clear reasons to vote "Yes". In the north inner city, where I will be canvassing most of the time, there will no doubt be an active campaign of disinformation, as was the case in the previous referendum. The groups who want to take us out of Europe will trot out the old red herrings, like abortion, conscription and particularly immigration. Some on the "No" side appear to support policies that amount to giving a punishment beating to the Irish economy and Ireland's future prosperity.