Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I concur with what Senator Quinn stated, particularly with regard to the speech made today by the President of the European Commission, Mr. Barroso. That speech was of historic significance and showed outstanding leadership and vision for the future of Europe. He assured everybody that Europe would be an inclusive place for all citizens and that we could work together to ensure the future progress of the great European project, which is so critical to Ireland and the citizens of Europe.

Peace is vitally important. Mr. Barroso also mentioned the noble role played by the European Union — not only on behalf of the citizens of Europe — in managing the aftermath of the Second World War and the great trauma experienced in Europe up until the 1990s. An occasion such as Hiroshima Day or Nagasaki Day would give Irish citizens an opportunity to reflect on history, and on the trauma so unfairly visited on innocent people. Our solidarity, individually and collectively, in supporting such a commemorative occasion can ensure it will never be revisited on any people in any part of the world.