Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader arrange for an urgent debate on the proposed Lisbon European Union reform treaty which was finalised by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs last week, with the assistance of the Minister of State, Deputy Roche? It was done very successfully and I commend the Government on how it handled the negotiations. Ireland is the only country of the 27 members of the EU that will have a referendum on this issue. It is important that we have a detailed debate, that people know the facts about the negotiations and that the reform treaty will be circulated to every citizen in the State. Ireland is the focus of attention in Europe because our decision will decide whether the reform treaty will be implemented. All parties have a major responsibility to ensure we have a thorough debate on the issue.

I commend the Taoiseach on ensuring we excluded certain aspects of the treaty and obtained derogations. The fact that he is the longest serving leader in Europe proves the point that he is now a senior figure. He has brought about a well negotiated reform treaty which I fully support. I ask the Leader to arrange for the Minister of State to come to the House and explain the treaty. We can all act to ensure it is implemented. We will not have a second bite at the cherry this time and it will not be like the Nice treaty. We cannot go back every time to see if the people will change their minds.

I congratulate Senator Boyle on becoming chairperson of the Green Party. It is appropriate to compliment Members who have achieved success, particularly, as in this case, by a narrow majority against candidates from the other House. I hope another Member will become leader of another party in the near future——