Seanad debates

Wednesday, 22 October 2003

European Convention/Intergovernmental Conference: Statements.

 

I have a concern, although I am not sure if it is valid. Certain criticism has been expressed that the Forum on Europe will not get the same support in financial terms from the Government in the future. I would hate to think that will be the case, though it may not be and I am aware this has been denied. When this constitution has to be voted on in Ireland, as was required in the Nice referendum and previous referenda, we do not want to wait until the last minute before we start making our case, if we are in favour of it. We want to make sure we take those steps now. When I said at a meeting of the Joint Committee on European Affairs that we need to market the benefits of Europe, Senator Ormonde criticised me for the use of the word "market". We should not lose sight of the fact that there will be a referendum on this issue and if we do not remind the public—

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