The terms of the Treaty of Nice state it will enter into force "on the first day of the second month following that in which the instrument of ratification is deposited by the last signatory state to fulfil that formality." As Ireland will be the last signatory state to take that important step, if we deposit our instrument of ratification before the end of this year, as the Government expects, the treaty will enter into force at the start of February. The timing of this could not be more significant. As Senators are aware, there are 12 countries currently negotiating to join the European Union, ten of which are expected to be ready to sign an accession treaty later in the spring. In a real way Ireland will be opening the door to allow them in.