John Bruton (Meath, Fine Gael)

My apologies for my misunderstanding as regards the time of this debate. I am delighted to have the opportunity to respond to the points made by Senators.

Senator Mansergh is correct that persuading the French and British to give up their seats on the Security Council would be extremely difficult. While I am not aware of any serious efforts to push such a possibility, it is a logical position. Current events demonstrate the need to exert pressure in that direction as it would at least have the beneficial effect of making France and Britain realise that some people question their right to sit on the Security Council. They should show greater willingness to work within the context of the European Union, rather than escaping EU control by consistently relying on the argument that their ability to use a veto in New York means they do not have to listen to anyone in Brussels.

In noting that France and Britain would never give up their Security Council seats, Senator Mansergh asked what would be the next best thing. The European Union should return to the model which ultimately led to the construction of the Common Market, namely, the European Coal and Steel Community. By making countries interdependent as far as the sinews of war were concerned, the establishment of the ECSC ensured they could not go to war again.