Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I support the comments of Senators Leyden and Finucane. At the end of the week we will welcome ten new member states into the European Union. I hope we will have celebrations and demonstrations of welcome for this event, rather than protests. As Fianna Fáil finance spokesman, I am concerned that we must spend considerable sums of money on security. I hope there is no Irish person who does not welcome ten new member states.

Given that we are welcoming a further ten member states and approximately 80 million more people into the European Union, it is clear that the EU is not fortress Europe and I hope we will not create a fortress Ireland in its place. I ask that the House call on professional agitators to give it a rest for one day and join in the celebration of what may be one of the most historic events of our lifetime.