Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I echo the welcome for Deputy John Bruton. I know of his commitment to Europe.

Deputy Bruton mentioned the EURATOM Treaty and I agree with him that questions could be raised regarding the closure of unsafe nuclear facilities. I understand this treaty is to be reviewed, but I am concerned that treatment of the nuclear industry is too preferential. I have asked on previous occasions if there is any possibility of emphasising and supporting alternative energy sources, as we are all conscious of the Kyoto Protocol and there has been much talk of green taxes. Alternative energy sources should be supported.

Deputy Bruton discussed how the European Parliament should be elected, referring to PR, the list system and the first past the post system. Constituency boundaries are a major issue now, particularly in light of the review of those boundaries. Connacht-Ulster is a huge three seater constituency, stretching from Malin Head to the Clare border, and could be bigger again after the next revision. Has any thought been given to reducing constituencies to two or one-seaters? At present, the constituencies are huge.