Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

In regard to Senator Fitzgerald's comments on the Lisbon treaty, the Government should have an open mind on a date for the referendum, although it should announce one as soon as possible. I personally favour a date in September. Last night I attended a function in County Meath at which a number of people asked me to explain the treaty. We all have had opportunities to read the treaty, yet nobody in this House could provide a detailed analysis of its implications for the development of Europe. Irish voters will have a wonderful but enormous responsibility because we will sign the contract for the treaty on behalf of 500 million Europeans. We are all equal in that regard because every voter has the same influence as the Taoiseach or the President. A major educational campaign must be undertaken throughout the country to explain the treaty in detail and time for this is of the essence. By holding the referendum later, the parliaments of the other 26 EU member states will be more likely to have signed up to the treaty. We would therefore be at the centre of Europe as far as this decision is concerned.

I commend the Leader on inviting the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Hans Gert Pöttering, MEP, through the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, although I understood the President of the European Commission, Mr. Barrosso, was to address us instead. I would have preferred the latter because I had a number of questions to ask in regard to the activities of the Commissioner for Trade, Mr. Mandelson. The motion inviting Mr. Pöttering, which we cannot discuss, refers to him as "Commissioner" although he is President of the European Parliament.