David Norris (Independent)

That is what I am doing. I am talking about the democratic deficit and I will continue to do so. Mr. Buttiglioni campaigned and voted on equality issues. I suggest to Mr. Crowley, MEP, that if he had campaigned and voted on the rights of people in wheelchairs in the same way he would have been very quick to get him off any committee that dealt with that area. However, I believe it is quite possible we will be let off the hook. Despite the superb work done in negotiating the treaty, for which I pay full tribute to the Taoiseach and the diplomatic staff involved, it looks very likely that France may vote down the treaty. According to the polls, the Netherlands, Poland, Denmark and Britain may do the same, in which case we would not face into a referendum here.

I understand people have suggested that this treaty is only an exercise in consolidation. While that is very largely true — perhaps 95% true — I wish we had heard more from the Minister, Deputy Roche, and others about the 5% that is new. I have always been concerned about the incremental nature of these treaties and our involvement in processes that will disturb our neutrality, which I still cherish, such as our involvement with the Western European Union armament group.

Other matters also concern me regarding negotiations from the Vatican. I have material from Catholics for a Free Choice. This does not represent a sectarian position. These are Catholics of conscience warning about the negotiations——