Ms Scallon, MEP:

That is good. We received the first draft of the European constitution in June 2003. It was a little book and we were given a copy each. I copied it and wrote notes where I felt there was a conflict between our constitutional position and sovereignty and the proposals within the European constitution. This is very worrying but we do not have time to go through its details. A major issue is the legal personality which is given to Europe, including the article which states that it takes precedence over all national law and constitutions. The counter-argument is that it refers only to European law and the institutions. However, 78% of our national law is decided in Brussels. The earlier one can be involved in the decision-making process, and make a contribution to policy and documents like this, the more chance there is of representing the needs and concerns of people and of protecting the democratic process and the sovereignty of our own country.

Ms Scallon, MEP:

This brings me to a related matter, namely the recent debate on Ireland's position on embryonic stem cell research. There are different levels of concern in this regard, including the personal and moral position. I am sure I do not need to reiterate my position. I believe it is wrong to take human life and kill it for research purposes. Then there is the constitutional position, which has been strongly challenged. Article 40.3.3o was understood by the people who voted for it to protect life from the moment of conception. This is our constitutional position until challenged.