Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)

The constitutional treaty was drafted following a uniquely open and transparent process and represented a fairly carefully balanced compromise between the member states. No state got everything it wanted. I thought, for example, that there should be a reference in the preamble to our Christian heritage, not to make it a Christian constitution but rather to establish an historical fact. Instead, we end up with a Masonic preamble which refers to the Enlightenment and other such matters.

There was widespread consensus following the outcome of the French and Dutch referenda that reflection was required across Europe. In the words of the June 2005 declaration of the European Council, a period should "enable a broad debate to take place in each of our countries, involving citizens, civil society, social partners, national parliaments and political parties". As Members are aware, from the experience of referenda in Ireland, particularly in more recent times, it can be a challenge to our collective efforts to engage the wider public in debates on European affairs. I am sure the Minister of State is well aware of that fact. Perhaps this has occurred because we have neglected to underline the fact that European affairs are increasingly domestic affairs. Collective and co-ordinated European action is often the only means to address domestic issues across the Union.

It is important to recall that there are developments that impact on us all which are worldwide rather than EU specific. I refer here to the challenges and opportunities of globalisation, to which the Taoiseach referred. It is also important that we be mindful of the need to address issues at the most appropriate level for corrective action, the so-called principle of subsidiarity. Action might be best carried out at the level of the region, the nation, the Union, or a combination of all three. On occasion, initiatives will only be effective if given a global perspective. In that context, I refer, in particular, to the environment and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

It was appropriate that the constitutional treaty sought to advance the existing work of the national Parliaments with regard to monitoring in respect of the principle of subsidiarity. The role of the National Parliaments with regard to subsidiarity was previously recognised in the Amsterdam treaty. The Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny takes its role under the current legal arrangements very seriously in this regard. It is regrettable that there is not a greater appreciation of its valuable work and the dedicated efforts of its members.

I am aware, from working with colleagues in other European affairs committees in the national parliaments of the Union that meet under the umbrella of COSAC, the Conférence des Organes Spécialisés dans les Affaires Communautaires, that the issues of particular concern across the Union include the free movement of services and people and the neighbourhood policy. The latter seeks to include all the countries throughout Europe in a stabilisation pact ensuring stability, security and prosperity. It includes almost all the countries that touch on Europe in some way. In June 2004, at the final meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council during Ireland's Presidency of the Union, a decision was taken to include Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In this regard, it was particularly timely this morning to meetthe Georgian Foreign Minister, Ms SalomeZourabichvili, to exchange views on how the Union might develop structured relations with her country and the wider region.

Ireland has been economically and culturally enriched by the presence of people from the newer member states. Freer movement brings many pluses but also challenges that must be addressed. These are practical issues that are being explored by the Joint Committee on European Affairs in its work on migration. This is an example of how the period of reflection facilitates the addressing of the concerns and worries of citizens.

I intended to refer to the National Forum on Europe but Senator Maurice Hayes has already done so. The European Council has indicated that it will return to the matter of the constitutional treaty in the first half of 2006 to make an overall assessment of the national debates and to agree on how to proceed. It is, therefore, particularly timely that we are considering this valuable contribution to the debate.

We should note that the consensus reached at the time of the writing of the constitution, created from the European Convention and the IGC, was not sufficiently democratic. The consensus must now go deeper into political society. We should not be afraid of this. There is much happening that we can recommend and of which we can be proud. I am conscious that the Taoiseach and his colleagues face a vital period in terms of negotiations on the EU financial perspectives for 2007 to 2013. I thank him and his Ministers for their involvement and for their determined approach to the debate so far. I wish them well with their negotiations, which are now on the agenda for December's European Council.

The European project has served Europe well. It has allowed the peoples and nations of Europe to unite in co-operation in a vision of peace and prosperity. As the European conflicts and wars of the last century fade from memory into history, it is timely that we now reflect on the future of Europe. I am confident that this White Paper will become a framework for future discussions and greatly assist in clarifying the issues at stake. I look forward to continuing to play an active part in this ongoing debate..