Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

I join with the Cathaoirleach, Senator Brian Hayes and Senator Ormonde in welcoming Mr. Joe McCartin, MEP, to the House. I have followed the flight path of his career since his election to the European Assembly in 1979. I have never known anybody who has had such a comprehensive grasp of the complexities of Europe. The marvellous exposé he gave in the space of 20 minutes, in which he covered so many areas and raised so many issues, showed what was fundamental to his political make-up. That vision and idealism was again portrayed. We thank him for the 25 years of excellent service he has given Connacht-Ulster and Ireland.

I wish to ask a few brief questions. One of the problems that people here recognise is the perceived distance and failure to connect on the part of the public with Europe. Does Mr. McCartin see the new European convention bringing about a process of integration, understanding or connection? Regarding Objective One status, on which Mr. McCartin lobbied strongly and organised deputations to the then Commissioner Monika Wulf-Mathies to have the border, midlands and western region categorised within it for funding, the Indecon report of the half way review of the national development plan appears to indicate Ireland is still not getting the largesse to which it is entitled. I strongly believe Turkey should be a member provided it meets the human rights criteria and that its economy is in order. Does Mr. McCartin favour such an approach? He mentioned the urgent need for a common foreign policy. Does he see the creation of a new European foreign minister, which is part and parcel of the new Convention, as being successful and will it bring the urgently needed process of a common European foreign policy a step closer or make it a reality?