Proinsias De Rossa:

I want to avoid getting into a debate akin to a debate on how many angels can sit on the head of a pin. I will avoid discussing the definition of federalism. The best definition I have is the decentralisation of power where action is taken at the central level only when it is necessary. I have given a few examples of that. The obvious example is the euro. There cannot be a European currency unless there is some level of co-ordination of economic policy at European level. It would not be possible for each of the 25 member states to have their own economic policy. The currency would collapse. We need centralised decision-making on this issue and are aware of the value the euro has given us. I made the point that I do not believe there will be a fully federal system in Europe for a few generations, if ever. Europe is too diverse to end up with the type of system that is in place in, for example, the United State.

Proinsias De Rossa:

That links into the question of diversity raised by Senator Henry. One of the first commitments in the articles of the treaty will be to maintain the social, economic, political, linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe. There is a huge strength in that and it is important it is defended and maintained. That is an absolute commitment proposed in the articles of the treaty and the amendments tabled to it.