Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for the expeditious manner in which they dealt with this technical legislation. I am immensely proud of the work of the people last month in wiping way the last vestiges of the divisions that separated the peoples and countries of Europe for 50 years. It is hard for us to measure the importance of the work we have done and how highly the Irish are regarded. Many of the incoming states and most of our fellow member states recognise the decision made last month by the people as an unique and generous act of solidarity by a small state towards other states with which we have much in common.

The expeditious manner in which the Seanad has dealt with the Bill moves the process forward. Once the legislation comes into effect we will move on to full and final ratification. We will have the deposit of the instrument relating to the Treaty of Nice and the way will then be open for enlargement. That will be an historic step and one that would not have been possible without the wisdom and generosity of the people of this nation.