Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, and his officials to the House. I wish the Minister of State well in this campaign because he has enormous responsibility. He is acquitting himself very well, as he did in respect of the second referendum on the Nice treaty. He changed public opinion and had that treaty ratified.

Senator Regan has vast knowledge of the European Union and the proposed treaty, but he should note that it is right and proper to have a referendum. One could argue whether it is necessary legally — I know the Senator is a barrister — but different lawyers have different opinions on the matter. The referendum is giving everyone a great opportunity to vote——