Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Fáiltím freisin roimh an Aire Stáit. Most people have limited knowledge of European institutions in terms of the manner in which they impact on us and the role MEPs play in them, which is often positive and progressive. This lack of awareness is most manifest during debates on referenda and, undoubtedly, it will manifest itself during the debate on the European constitution.

I imagine that few people have any knowledge of the Council of Europe Development Bank. In the context of a materialistic world, this bank is in many ways a good news story. Whenever we discuss banks we do not often use the terms "social conscience" or "social focus". Recently many people were heartened by the findings of The Economist survey which put Ireland at the top of the league in terms of quality of life under various headings. This was a salutary and timely reminder to us of how lucky we are as a people.

This position was brought about by our vision as a people, our tenacity, the leadership of Government and the assistance we have received from Europe. We have been able to enjoy the fruits of life as a result of our position in Europe. Unfortunately, in some areas this has also brought a sense of greed. We seem to always think in terms of the begging bowl and what we can get from Europe.

The time has come when we must consider how we can contribute, pay back and help those less fortunate than ourselves. This is expected of us as a result of our history. For example, one need only look at the contribution we made when we were not affluent. Our people travelled throughout the world, whether as missionaries or to help develop legislative systems in underdeveloped countries. People expect Ireland to be central to any mission that sets out to help people, whether in an emergency or as a result of an historical position.

It is important that we are seen to be part of banks like the Council of Europe Development Bank, which is focused not just on emergency areas but on areas such as education, social housing and health, all the areas of immediate concern, and that we are seen to support them. It is easy to forget. In fairness, the media, the broadcast media in particular, have made us aware of the parts of Europe and the world which still suffer from extreme poverty. We are all aware of it but it is important that it is highlighted.

I remember speaking to a person who returned from a visit to North Korea shocked by how dismal a country it was and that the women there still worked in the fields. I thought that was ironic because we could still remember Ireland at that particular stage of non-development. We have come a long way in a short period, yet it is easy to close our minds. We should realise that other countries could succeed in the same way we did if they had luck and support on their side.

Recently I entertained a group comprising two mayors and two others from Slovakia. They came to Ireland through contact with some nuns from the Presentation Convent in Cashel who were working in Slovakia. The group came to study our development as a tourist destination. From talking to them I realised they did not have the bare essentials; they did not have roads, let alone the other necessary infrastructure we take for granted. When we brought the group around the country to show them certain developments, these educated, highly intelligent people were mesmerised.

We should not confuse lack of opportunity with lack of education or intelligence. These people may have suffered under the system operated in their country and some of their initiative might have been dulled, but they were still inspired by what they saw and wanted to be able to achieve similar results. They accepted this would not happen overnight. It is interesting that it is to Ireland these groups come. In some way they identify and feel a particular affinity with us. This may be for religious or other reasons apart from historical ones. It is not sufficient that we just entertain these people and empathise with their difficulties. We must be practical.

I admit that like many others I knew little about the development bank before this debate. The bank probably did not register with us to any great degree until now. Having learned about it, I was inspired by it. Often when discussing development we see these as being peripheral and see the economic charter as the central driving force, even though we have social and cultural charters. This is not to say that we do not do well in the other areas. I am particularly pleased that through this development bank we have, in a way, the antidote to materialism and to selfishness or self interest. One might say the same with regard to charity.

I do not believe one must wait until one gets to the next world to be rewarded one hundred fold. We are rewarded through morale. The morale of a nation is lifted and rewarded by doing something not specifically for itself but for others. While it would not be our motivation, our generosity is paid back to us through friendship and co-operation that may be required at a given time. How often have we said about Ireland that because we never colonised another country, the Irish find friendship wherever they go? This is largely because people saw us as givers not takers. This is our image and it benefits us when we need support on other issues. It is interesting that other countries, because of that fraternity of nations, can identify with us because of having helped them at a given time.

The same goes in the case of the development bank. I do not suggest this should be our motivation in helping; I am sure it is not. By making a contribution and being part of the development bank, we are doing what is right and what is expected of us, which is why I strongly support the Bill. Taking part positions us as a proactive country that wants full development within Europe, not just for the big powers and those lucky enough to be in the right position at a given time, but so that all nations large and small will benefit.

I support the Bill and am glad to see there is a degree of unanimity thereon. There should be no division on it, but solidarity. I am glad this step is being taken. I echo Senator Mansergh's comment that it should have happened sooner. However, it is happening now. It underpins our confidence as a nation that we are prepared to be part of a social project and development of this kind.