Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

That is correct. As was pointed out, if one presents a Northern Ireland-denominated Bank of Ireland note in London, one will get very queer looks, too. That and the adoption of kilometres, Celsius, etc., have all helped to contribute towards a healthy and non-claustrophobic climate. Probably for the first time in our history we do not feel particularly overshadowed by our neighbour. We have communications that go directly to America and to other European countries. The European Union is part of that. Without the fact that Ireland is firmly placed in the European Union, the country would not enjoy positive investment decisions.

I recall reading Thomas Addis Emmet, who was a brother of the patriot, Robert. He was hauled before a parliamentary committee in 1798, which was looking into the rebellion. The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Cashel, Charles Agar, put it to him: "You surely do not believe that Ireland could be independent either of Britain or France". He replied: "America is the best market in the world, and Ireland is the best situated country in Europe to trade with that market". That pretty much sums up where we are today. I recall mentioning it to a US Secretary of Commerce, who replied: "A far-sighted man, your Mr. Emmet". He was not just our Mr. Emmet, but also America's, because he was Attorney General in New York State in the period 1812-13. A magnificent monument to him, which needs to be somewhat refurbished, stands outside St. Paul's Church, Lower Manhattan, just beside the 9/11 site.

I am very supportive, though not in an uncritical way, of Ireland's membership of the European Union. Various ministerial and official teams as well as our MEPs do a magnificent job in representing Ireland's interests, and also in making a positive contribution to the common European good. We do not just look for what is in it for ourselves, and it is very important to keep getting this message out to the general public. Many of us here are privileged to be members of the National Forum on Europe, whose distinguished chairman is Senator Maurice Hayes. On that tone of support I shall conclude.