Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I would not want to give any commitment. I thank the Senators for their views and their general acceptance of this legislation, which is largely technical and implements the commission's report of 2003 and the Council's decision of June and September 2002. Europe has played an important role in the development of our country. In 1979, Ireland had a per capita income of 55% of the European average. We have now exceeded 110%, which is a tribute to successive Governments and to the civil servants who have negotiated with their respective Ministers during those years.

We now have free access for our goods, services and people to a market of 350 million people soon to increase to 500 million. Ireland as one of the smallest countries in Europe has played an important role in the development of the Union. On 1 May under our Presidency, we will welcome the acceding countries from the Baltic, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. I am sure Ireland will continue to play an important role in Europe and will some day play a part in achieving the objective of the founding fathers of Europe, which is a united Europe from the Atlantic to the Urals.