Seanad debates

Friday, 13 September 2002

An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim (Atógáil). Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage (Resumed).

 

Twelve states have been in negotiation with the European Union for some time and ten states are now ready to join. They represent 110 million Europeans who are waiting for the chance to be reunited with the European family. There are differences and diversity. Many of the contributions to this debate have reflected on the extraordinary wealth of cultural diversity which those people will contribute towards the enrichment of Europe. Many of the states are well developed with very sophisticated economies. Others are less well developed. As I said at the outset of this debate, Ireland now holds the key. As of last week, all of the other states have ratified Nice. If we do not vote "Yes", Nice collapses. That is an indisputable fact. If Nice collapses, the whole process of enlargement will be thrown into chaos. That fact is also indisputable. If Nice collapses, there is no plan B.

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