Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the MEPs to this debate, as it is an important platform for them to get across the constitution's message. The message could be hijacked, as it has been many times in the past, by emotive opposition in certain areas that would destroy the debate. I warn the Government not to be as complacent as it was before the first referendum on the Nice Treaty when it failed to get the message across. The result was the electorate's punishment of the Government of the day, although it is unfortunate that the decision must be seen in that light.

I concur with many Senators who pointed out it is not enough to send out leaflets and booklets on the constitution. The debate must be taken into the country to the electorate and the people must understand clearly what is on offer. For the first time, the electorate can see a clarity in this constitution that was not there to the same degree in any prior treaties in so far as we have the areas of national responsibility and European legal responsibility clearly outlined. Information is important and we have set in motion today the launch of the new campaign. When the referendum will be held is a decision for the Government. A platform such as this debate is important but we must congratulate RTE, as it has recently introduced through its political unit a programme about the European Parliament, in which we can see our MEPs and their contributions.