Although I have always believed that our individuality has been enhanced and enriched through our membership of the European Union, I know that for many there was a fear that, in particular, our distinctive national policy of military neutrality could be encroached upon without the people being given the chance to decide the matter for themselves. In the declarations at Seville earlier this summer the Government and our partners in Europe made it very clear this was not the case. The necessary assurances were certainly contained in the declarations. Nothing in the treaties in any way impinges upon Ireland's neutral status. However, to offer further assurance that no change would be made without the people's say-so, the wording of the second referendum proposed a constitutional prohibition on Ireland joining any EU common defence without first having the ratification of the people. I am pleased that, as a result of last month's vote, this position is now enshrined in the Constitution, the appropriate place for it and the best guarantee the people can have on the issue.