James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, and compliment him on his eloquent contribution. Treaties, charters, etc., are fine and no doubt our membership of the European Union has brought about stability and peace. However, Ireland has been a member state for 30 years and the majority of citizens still see it as a "them and us" situation. That was evident in the run-up to the recent campaigns on the Nice treaty referenda. There is a need to push for a genuine union of people within the EU. It is important to facilitate twinning arrangements not only between local authorities and town councils, but also between communities. One will feel comfortable if one knows people better.