Mr. Coveney, MEP:

Yes. If one compares it to previous treaty documents, including the Nice Treaty and others, for which one would need a parliamentary draftsperson to explain what one was reading, then one can see the simplification and positive progress made in trying to address the democratic deficit, to which previous speakers referred. When one is canvassing, one can knock on a door and say to a person that it will take him or her a bit of time but if he or she reads this document or sections of it, he or she will have a good understanding of how the European Union works.

Mr. Coveney, MEP:

Senator Ross might like to note that the constitution in a way represents a business plan for the European Union and how it works. It sets out the responsibilities of countries, governments, the Commission and the Council and the rights citizens have as members of this huge international club, which is unique in its set-up but that has been such a remarkable success in terms of guaranteeing peace and stability. That has been the essence of what has driven Europe's economy forward over the past 60 years.

Mr. Coveney, MEP:

I wish to address some of the concerns raised because many of the things I was going to say have been outlined by other speakers and I do not wish to be repetitive. I would like to respond to the arguments made in support of a "No" vote in the upcoming referendum. There is concern in regard to future democracy in Europe, that there is a democratic deficit in the European Union at present and that constitution for Europe does nothing to remedy that. This debate is happening as a result of the constitutional treaty and it is the start of what I believe will be a very open, democratic and frank discussion which will involve the public between now and when we go to the polls. The process under which the constitution for Europe was put together was perhaps the greatest example of democratic involvement in the compilation of any EU treaty.

Mr. Coveney, MEP:

With regard to militarisation, there is a reference in the constitution for Europe to security and defence in the European Union. Let us not deny that. Primarily, any militarisation linked to this constitution or the European Parliament specifically deals with peace keeping or peace enforcement issues or in trying to provide stability in countries torn apart by war. When one votes "No" here, that is what one is voting against. Ireland is not obliged to participate if it does not so wish. However, does anyone seriously suggest that the political, economic and fiscal power of the European Union should not be used for peacekeeping purposes across the world in the future?

Mr. Coveney, MEP:

In the future, the European Union will be one of, if not the most influential blocs in the world. It is growing year by year and will have 500 million people as citizens after 2007, when Bulgaria and Romania join. Are we suggesting that we play no role in sending European troops to parts of the world that desperately need intervention such as the Congo, Uganda or Darfur? Will we permit people to be slaughtered and then complain that the Americans did not intervene or that the UN Security Council could not get its act together?

Mr. Coveney, MEP:

The European Union has a responsibility to its member states and population and also to those outside of the Union. That is a new element to its purpose. To date, the Union's purpose has primarily concerned peace and stability for its member states. The future for the European Union will see a continuation of that peace and stability. However, there will also be an attempt to spread the value system outlined in this constitution to other parts of the world, along with the kind of stability now guaranteed to us, following centuries of war.

Mr. Coveney, MEP:

One way we can do this is by deploying EU troops. I hope that Ireland will contribute to this effort, but it is a decision for the Irish people and will not be forced by this constitution. However, if someone states that militarisation within the European Union is a reason to vote "No", that person is stating that we should not participate in peacekeeping missions as part of the enormous wealthy bloc of counties that make up the Union.

Mr. Coveney, MEP:

The European Union comprises a group of countries which is not moving towards a federation. This is now more or less universally agreed within the European Parliament and individual member states. However, its raison d'être changes from year to year, which is why the treaties must be updated from time to time. The new elements, which constitute just 5% of the document, aim to update the Union so that it can be run more efficiently and to ensure it is not criticised in five or ten years' time for still being inefficient and overly bureaucratic. Practical measures are being taken, but the primary value of this treaty is in setting out the European Union's value system and purpose.