Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. As I understand the Bill from listening to the Minister of State's presentation, its purpose is to amend the European Communities Act 1972 to align our national laws with European Community law. I had to grasp that fundamental point before I could go any further. I had to ask what it really meant. It means that up to now we did not have the power to apply sanctions for breaches of EU law. The Minister of State might come back to me in this regard as I am not clear as to the real strength of the Bill when it comes into law or how much it will improve effectiveness and procedures with regard to the implementation of EU law.

I echo the Minister of State's point that Ireland has changed much since we became members of the EU, as has the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people. I read some old reports in taking a journey from 1972. We have introduced equal treatment for men and women, maternity leave, parental leave, child care, better conditions of employment, better health and safety regulations, better working conditions and the protection of young people. This is what membership has given us. It has created the conditions whereby these issues can be addressed. There has been powerful change since we became members of the European Community.

There has been dramatic change since the Single European Act came into being. Mr. Jacques Delors, who was President of the Commission when that Act came into force, stated it would mean: "the commitment of implementing simultaneously the great market without frontiers, more economic and social cohesion, an European research and technology policy, the strengthening of the European Monetary System, the beginning of an European social area and significant actions in environment". When we consider those words, we realise what a journey we as Europeans have undertaken since then. All the objectives of the late 1980s have been achieved and exceeded. We have the Single Market of 470 million people and a very successful single currency, the euro, now used in at least 12 member states and recognised as the second most important international currency.

Ireland has benefited greatly from the Union's policy to achieve economic and social cohesion. We look forward to helping new member states as they embark on a similar mission. Therefore, the Bill is of great importance to us. As the Minister of State outlined, because of its technical nature, it has enabled us to meet our EU obligations and we can now transpose EU legislation. However, I am not fully clear on this area of the Bill so perhaps the Minister of State will explain further.

It is my understanding that if there are breaches of EU law, we in Ireland can introduce sanctions. It is important that we all sing the one tune and that all member states have updated their legislation to deal with this issue. There have been treaties and referenda in recent years. If the requirements are necessary, we must update our legislation to allow for the application of sanctions in domestic law when EU law is breached with regard to policy matters.

On that basis, the Bill is welcome. I am still giving it thought, and do not have a total grasp of it. I will give it more thought before Committee Stage.