While this Bill is mainly technical in nature, it is of historic importance in the sense that it marks a decisive new step in the development of the European Union. At one stroke, the Union will expand to a population of 550 million and 25 member states. The accession of the new member states next year will create a totally new type of political and economic entity, one that is a very far cry from the European Economic Community of only six states which Ireland joined 30 years ago. That difference is recognised in our preparations for a new constitutional treaty. Here in Ireland we also face major changes in the nature of our relationship with the evolving European Union. This expansion marks the end of the European gravy-train as far as Ireland is concerned. Senator Bradford has referred to that. It is vital that we realise that it will be the end of the gravy-train. It is also vital that we concentrate on developing new attitudes to Europe and new reasons for being deeply involved in Europe, now that the gravy-train has come to the end of its journey.