Derek McDowell (Labour)

Ba mhaith liom cuidiú leis an méid atá ráite ag Baill eile a chur fáilte roimh uachtaráin mo pháirti, an t-Uasal De Rossa. Ceapaim go bhfuil an díospóireacht seo úsáideach agus go mbeidh sé mar pháirt den díospóireacht mhór náisiúnta agus b'fheidir idirnáisiúnta i rith agus tar éis an Choinbhinsiún.

This afternoon's debate has been interesting so far, but in some ways a little depressing. As in much of our recent discussion, the focus here has been almost one of frustration. It is almost as if we see ourselves positioned between what is happening in Brussels and in national debate. We are not really forming part of a national debate. We are not offering our views as to various issues arising in Brussels; we are simply saying that it is terribly frustrating to be stuck here and we are going on about the information deficit.

From other Senators I sense a frustration that we have not succeeded in stimulating any social debate beyond these Houses, and I am sure that is true. However, we need, and have a responsibility, to express our own views. Perhaps if there were more disagreements or more cut and thrust between us, then we might actually succeed in exciting a little more interest beyond these Houses.