Ms McDonald, MEP:

Tá mé an-sásta a bheith anseo libh inniu agus a bheith ag caint sa díospóireacht thábhachtach seo. I commend the Leader and the Seanad for taking the initiative in holding this debate. I hope it will resonate across villages and towns throughout the State. On the next occasion that we meet, I hope each of the 16 MEPs elected in Ireland will have the opportunity to participate in this debate. Referenda on the constitutional treaty will take place both North and South, which means that for the first time, all voters in Ireland will be asked to give their verdict on European matters. In light of that, it is important that the debate and consideration is all-Ireland in nature.

Ms McDonald, MEP:

The debate is not about whether we are pro-European or anti-European. There is no question of whether Ireland is European because it is an ancient European nation. That is taken as a given. The debate is about the nature of the EU as a political project. Previous speakers have correctly identified that this project is a unique one and, in many respects, experimental. It is a project that must be closely attached and in line with popular wishes and demands. It is only in this way that it can command the level of interest and support that speakers wish it to have.

Ms McDonald, MEP:

The constitution brings us to a fork in the road. Despite what the Minister said earlier, another Europe is possible. I believe that a popular will exists to amend, change and, in some cases, transform the direction in which the European Union is currently set. A desire exists among sections of the political elite to establish a de facto federal Europe. I do not express the countervailing view with the intention of being awkward or irritating Members of this Chamber but because I do not believe that such a European Union would be in the best interests of people in Ireland or other jurisdictions.

Ms McDonald, MEP:

Earlier this week, Sinn Féin outlined its position and expressed its determination to campaign for a "No" vote in this referendum. The reasons for this relate to democracy, the militarisation of the EU and matters of economic policy. My colleague, Mr. Crowley, MEP, is correct to say these issues are old chestnuts which were of concern 30 years ago. I remind Members they are of equal concern today.

Ms McDonald, MEP:

The Laeken declaration told us that the Convention would consider how to address the democratic deficit. It is accepted that a democratic malaise lies at the heart of the European Union. The Convention was to solve this problem but has failed to do so. Today, there has been discussion in this Chamber about an enhanced role for national Parliaments. While increased information flow will undoubtedly result if this constitution is passed, no national parliament is given real teeth in terms of intervening in Commission proposals. The Commission is not bound to withdraw or amend a proposal should national Parliaments exercise a yellow card. We have been told about the citizens' initiative, where 1 million citizens of a number of member states can put matters on the agenda. This is a sop, as is all the fine rhetoric on subsidiarity. The constitution has chosen to overlook solutions to the democratic deficit. If it is passed, it will do nothing to remedy the democratic malaise at the heart of the European Union.

Ms McDonald, MEP:

I have been criticised for scaremongering on the issue of militarisation but have done nothing of the sort. The constitution includes a special place for NATO. A UN mandate is not required for European operations. A provision exists for a European armaments agency. I remind Ms Doyle, MEP, that a requirement is placed on member states to increase military capabilities. This, to my logic, suggests an increase in military spending.

Ms McDonald, MEP:

I reject the suggestion that the economic dogma which is currently at the heart of the EU project should be set in a constitutional text. It is unprecedented and inappropriate. I concur with other speakers in asking the Government to bring forward, as speedily as possible, the referendum Bill and ask for the early announcement of a date for the referendum. In conclusion, I ask that people respect different views.