Derek McDowell (Labour)

I endorse the general approach taken in the European Communities (Amendment) Bill, 2002, which reflects the approach to treaty changes over the last ten years or so, since the Single European Act. It is right that we should reserve issues that arise under the second and third pillars for debate within the Oireachtas as far as possible, while translating Community issues straight into Irish law. I looked at the treaty to see if I could match them up, but I quickly realised that it is more useful to trust one's legal advice rather than second-guessing it. It is beyond me how the Government decided that one approach was suitable for the treaties and another for second and third pillar issues. The Labour Party certainly endorses the general approach from a political point of view, however.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs will have had a much more pleasant time at the recent meeting of the General Affairs Council as a result of the ratification of the Treaty of Nice. I welcome the outcome of the Council's deliberations as it is useful that we have a specific timetable for the accession of the ten countries which are waiting to join the Union. It is right that the states in question should be given adequate time to make a decision on the accession treaties when they are signed.